Why NPFL Slammed ₦15 Million Fine On Kano Pillars

Kano Pillars have been hit with heavy sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after crowd trouble marred their fixture against Rivers United last weekend.

The league found the club guilty of several breaches, including poor security, pitch invasion and harassment of match officials.

Sai Masu Gida were fined a total of ₦15 million for misconduct, intimidation and disruption of play.

They must also play their next three home matches behind closed doors. One will be served this season, with the remaining two at the start of the next campaign. The club has 48 hours to appeal.

Naija News gathered that Kano Pillars were charged for breaching league rules during their home game on 19 April 2026. Reports said home supporters attacked the centre referee, causing a delay after the official threatened to abandon the match.

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and teammate Rabiu Ali eventually persuaded the referee to continue.

The club had earlier suffered a three-goal and three-point deduction this season, fuelling expectations of another sporting sanction. Instead, the punishment arrived in the form of heavy fines and stadium restrictions.

In its statement, the NPFL said: “The Kano club failed to provide adequate & effective security, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas.

“The club further breached league rules following the encroachment of their supporters into the pitch comprising the safety of players & officials.

“Kano Pillars supporters also engaged in behaviour capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

“The club also failed to ensure the proper conduct of their supporters which resulted in the intimidation & harassment of match officials.

“Supporters of the club also engaged in gross misconduct against match officials, a conduct that undermines the integrity of the league.

“For repeated failure to provide adequate security, Kano Pillars are fined N4m & will also pay another N3m fine for repeated acts of unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

“For repeated failure to ensure proper conduct of their supporters, resulting in the harassment of, & intimidation of match officials, Kano Pillars are fined N3m.”

The breakdown of the ₦15 million fine the NPFL Slammed On Kano Pillars:

₦4 million for repeated failure to provide adequate security.

₦3 million for unsporting behaviour bringing the game into disrepute.

₦3 million for failure to control supporters leading to harassment of officials.

₦3 million for gross misconduct towards match officials.

₦2 million for match disruption and delay.