We’re sorry – Ahmed Musa begs over attack on 3SC players, officials by Kano Pillars’ fans

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa has condemned the behaviour of the team’s fans following their 1-1 draw with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3sc) in a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, match on Sunday.

Fans of Kano Pillars had invaded the pitch and attacked the match officials, players and other fans after a dramatic equalizer by 3SC in the 94th minute of the match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The fans invaded the pitch after moments after the final whistle forcing the officials and players of 3SC to flee.

However, 3SC have confirmed that some of their players were injured in the attack by the irate fans.

“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,” Musa said in reaction to the incident in a statement posted on his social media platforms.

Ahmed, a former captain of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, described the behavior of the Kano Pillars fans as “unfortunate, painful, and disgraceful” while offering his 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.

He also cautioned fans of the club against violence.

“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.”