Ahmed Musa apologises after Kano Pillars fans attack Shooting Stars

The General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa, has issued an apology following the violent scenes that marred his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Kano on Sunday.

The match, played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, ended in chaos after Shooting Stars scored a dramatic late equaliser, prompting sections of the home supporters to invade the pitch and assault visiting players, referees, and match officials.

Videos circulating online showed disturbing scenes of violence and panic.

In a statement released shortly after the incident on his X handle late Sunday, Musa condemned the actions of the fans.

The former Super Eagles captain described the events as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” stressing that such conduct does not represent the ethos of the historic club.

Calling for calm and accountability, Musa reaffirmed the club’s commitment to punishing those responsible.

He admitted that apologies alone would not suffice and promised meaningful action.

The statement reads, “I, Ahmed Musa, the General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, extend my deepest and most sincere apologies for the unfortunate, painful, and disgraceful incident that occurred during our game against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday evening.

“What transpired against Shooting Stars is heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. It does not represent the true values, identity, or proud history of Kano Pillars. This club has always stood for community, passion, and respect, values that must never be overshadowed by violence or indiscipline. As a club with deep roots and loyal supporters, we are expected to set an example of fairness and honour on and off the pitch. Sadly, today, we fell far short of that standard.

“I tender an unreserved apology to the players, coaches, officials, and supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club, to the match referees and league officials who were caught in this terrible situation, to the Nigeria Premier Football League board and its partners at GTI, to the league organisers, and to every football fan across Nigeria and beyond who watched these scenes with anger, shock, and disappointment.

“I know how painful it must have been to witness something so damaging to our game, and I am deeply, deeply sorry.

“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for. Football is meant to unite, to inspire, to bring joy. When it turns into scenes of chaos and harm, we must not pretend it away, we must confront it head-on.

“I assure everyone that Kano Pillars FC will work closely with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for this shameful act, and they will face the full consequences of their actions.

“We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action. We would take a huge step internally to ensure that something like this never happens again.

“To our loyal fans, I want to speak directly to you. Kano Pillars is a proud club with a rich legacy, and you are the heartbeat of this club. But true support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline.

“This must be a turning point for us. We must remind the world that our love for this club can be powerful without being destructive, that our passion can lift its image, not stain it.

“Once again, on behalf of Kano Pillars Football Club, I offer my most heartfelt and unreserved apology to everyone affected. To the NPFL, to Shooting Stars, to the referees, to the fans of Nigerian football, and to anyone who believes in the spirit of the game, we are sorry. I am sorry.

“We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria.”

Tribune Online reports that the NPFL board has yet to release its disciplinary decisions.

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