The General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa, has issued an apology following the violent incidents that erupted during his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League match against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Kano on Sunday evening.
The encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium descended into disorder after Shooting Stars secured a late equaliser, leading some home supporters to storm the pitch and physically attack visiting players, referees, and match officials.
Footage shared online captured unsettling scenes of unrest and confusion.
In a statement released shortly after the incident on the club’s official social media platforms, Ahmed Musa condemned the behaviour of the fans and accepted full responsibility on behalf of the club.
“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,” he stated.
The former Super Eagles captain described the incident as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” emphasising that such actions do not reflect the ideals of the club.
“What transpired against Shooting Stars is heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. It does not represent the true values, identity, or the 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,” the statement read.
Musa issued an 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,” he added.
Calling for calm and responsibility, Musa pledged that the club would take decisive action against those involved.
“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,” he affirmed.
Acknowledging that an apology alone is not enough, he promised firm internal measures.
“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,” he noted.
Addressing the supporters directly, Musa urged them to uphold discipline and protect the club’s image.
“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,” he said.
He ended with a renewed commitment to restoring integrity and confidence in Nigerian football.
“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,” he concluded.
As of the time of this report, the NPFL board has not yet issued its disciplinary ruling on the incident.