The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed a disheartening attack on the 12th of October, 2025, when Kano Pillars fans invaded the pitch to attack the referees and opposition players, Shooting Stars Sport Club (3SC).
Recall that Sporting Tribune reported the public apology made by Kano Pillars’ General Manager, Ahmed Musa, who called it a heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable event.
This unfortunate incident is not isolated, as over the years, the NPFL has been marred by recurring attacks and violence.Â
Sporting Tribune found out that between 2002-2025, the NPFL has witnessed nine recurring assault attacks either on referees, opponent players, or opposition fans.
In this article, Sporting Tribune outlines the recurring attacks in history:
- 2002 — Enyimba coach (Kadiri Ikhana) attacked after match in Kaduna
Enyimba’s coach Kadiri Ikhana returned from a match in Kaduna with injuries after his team was attacked by irate home supporters.
- November 2008 — Enyimba v Heartland (Aba): referees and assistants were violently assaulted; Enyimba stadium was banned
Fans attacked referee Paul Umuagu and assistants (including Auwalu Barau and Abdulwaheed Dauda) after the 1–1 draw; the league banned Enyimba’s stadium and threatened disciplinary action. Several match officials were seriously hurt.
- December 2011 — Auwalu Barau (referee) dies months/years after being badly injured in earlier attacks
Auwalu Barau, who had been severely assaulted in earlier incidents (including the 2008 attack) never fully recovered and died in December 2011; his long-term decline is often cited when discussing the human cost of attacks on match officials.Â
- 19–20 December 2014 — Charles Ozigbo (referee) beaten during replay (Ranchers Bees v Kwara United, Abuja)
In a replayed league fixture, referee Charles Ozigbo was attacked, reportedly beaten and seriously injured after a penalty decision; the match was abandoned and the NFF/league condemned the violence.
- 11 November 2024 — Enugu Rangers team and team bus attacked after draw with Plateau United (Jos)
After a goalless draw in Jos, Enugu Rangers players/coaches were ambushed and their team bus attacked as they left the stadium; several sustained injuries, and the club filed petitions. Plateau United management disputed responsibility, but the episode was widely reported.Â
- May 2025 (season) — multiple violent incidents; player Vincent Temitope cut on neck after match
Reports in May 2025 documented a spate of violence: home fans attacking opposing players, team buses, dressing rooms and match officials. One widely reported case involved a Plateau United player, Vincent Temitope, suffering a neck cut after an away match; media and AFP coverage framed this as a worrying increase in fan violence.Â
- October 12, 2025 — Kano Pillars v Shooting Stars: mass pitch invasion, referees and opposition players assaulted
A 94th-minute equaliser sparked a Sani Abacha Stadium pitch invasion; Kano Pillars supporters attacked match officials and several Shooting Stars players, forcing security to use teargas. Club officials, national media and the pillar’s General Manager, Ahmed Musa, publicly apologised and promised action.Â
READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNEÂ
WAFCON qualifier: Madugu names Okoronkwo, Ajibade, 19 others for Benin clash
