•Pillars to pay N9.5m fine •Banished to Katsina •NPFL recommends 5 match officials for downgrade Sani Abacha Stadium has been shut against Kano Pillars and their fans following the pitch invasion occasioning chaotic scenes and attack on match officials and players of Shooting Stars. Some match officials in the Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, as well as two of the match officials in the Nasarawa United versus Rangers have all been recommended for a review of performance. The NPFL requested that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reappraise their suitability to handle further NPFL games. While announcing the decisions in letters communicated to the clubs and the NFF, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the league, said that the NPFL will continue to maintain the policy of zero tolerance for any form of violence. “We will invoke the rules wherever and whenever required to keep bad behaviour of fans, players and officials out of the league”, he vowed. In a summary jurisdiction less than 24 hours after the incident, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) announced a deduction of three goals and three points from the already accumulated points and goals of the club. The points deduction is for breach of Rule C1.1, addressing assault on away team and match officials. The stadium will remain shut for their home games for the rest of the season and Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina will host their home fixtures. A sleuth of financial sanctions was also imposed on Kano Pillars, a club that commands huge but volatile fan base. For failure to provide adequate security which led to access to restricted area to unauthorised persons in breach of Rule B13.52, the club has been fined N1m. Similarly, the club was found to have breached Rule C9 when it failed to ensure proper conduct of its supporters leading to harassment of away team players and match officials. For this, the club was fined another N1m. Pillars supporters were also adjudged to have thrown objects on to the field of play and at the away team players and match officials in breach of Rule B13.18. This attracted a fine of N1m. The NPFL cited Kano Pillars supporters for acts that brought the league to disrepute in breach of Rule C1.1 and was fined N1m. Another N2m was imposed as fine for assault on the away team and match officials. Furthermore, a fine of N2m was also imposed as compensation payment to players of Shooting Stars while N1.5m will be paid as restitution for the beating of match officials. The NPFL in a separate letter to the NFF Match Officials Appointment Committee requested a review of performance and stepping down of centre referee, Mohammed B Tuta of Adamawa State referees council and the assistant referees, Bem Japhet (Benue) and Shehu Isah (Adamawa). For the match between Nasarawa United and Rangers, the NPFL are also requesting for the review of performance of centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo of the Rivers State Referees Coucil and his assistant, Usman Opeyemi Edward from Osun State. Kano Pillars reserves the right to appeal these decisions and could attract additional sanctions should the appeal fail.
Kun Khalifat end Enyimba’s unbeaten run
Just like a story that will always come to an end, Enyimba FC’s unbeaten run in the NPFL this season has been brought to a halt by neighbours, Kun Khalifat FC who won 1-0 on Sunday. The ‘Pride of Imo’ in a tensed NPFL Matchday 8 encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri edged the People’s Elephant who finished the game with 10 players after Henry Ndedi was sent off. Ebuka Nwokorie’s delightful free kick from edge of the box made the difference in the 69th minute of play after Mohammad Hussaini’s foul on a Khalifat striker. Reacting after the game, Enyimba assistant coach Nduka Ndubuisi who stood in for bereaved head coach Stanley Eguma said it wasn’t their expectations from the game blaming the deficiency of the red card to Ndedi (second yellow). “It’s not the result we expected and we feel bad about it. We expected to continue our unbeaten run but in a game of football you can always expect any of the three results, a win, draw or lose. “Although the red card deflated us numerically but we controlled the game until they gave away the free kick. Khalifat’s Ebuka took it well and will go places with such precision from dead-ball situations,” said Ndubuisi. The former Heartland and Plateau United coach meanwhile, said they have put the game behind and must rise up to redeem themselves in their next game against Warriors Wolves at home next Sunday.
Kano Pillars pledge to fully cooperate with investigation
Below is a full text of Kano Pillars’ statement following the crowd incident at the end of their NPFL Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars. After the successful completion of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 8 between Kano Pillars FC and Shooting Stars SC, Kano Pillars Football Club, wishes to address the unfortunate conduct of some unruly individuals following the NPFL fixture which ended 1-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. Immediately after the final whistle, a few misguided persons attempted to cause disorder within the stadium premises. However, thanks to the swift intervention of our stewards and security agencies, the situation was promptly brought under control. We are pleased to confirm that players of both teams and match officials all left the stadium and its vicinity unhurt and safely escorted by the security operatives. The club also confirms that many of those involved in the unruly act were arrested and handed over to the security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Kano Pillars FC will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure that any individual found culpable faces the full wrath of the law. Furthermore, the management of Kano Pillars FC will impose strict sanctions by banning all identified troublemakers from accessing the Sani Abacha Stadium for the next 10 seasons. The club remains committed to maintaining peace, discipline, and a conducive environment for football in line with the rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria Football Federation. We urge our teeming supporters to continue to show passion and support for the team in a peaceful and orderly manner as true ambassadors of the great Kano Pillars FC.
Wikki, Kwara Utd share points in Bauchi
Wikki Tourists once again dropped valuable points at home after being held to a 1–1 draw by visiting Kwara United in a Matchday 8 encounter of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season played at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi on Sunday. The Bauchi Elephants started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Jonathan Mairiga, who dazzled past two defenders in a solo move before firing a low shot that beat the Kwara United goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmos to send the home fans into early celebration. The visitors, however, drew level shortly before halftime through Toheeb Gidado capitalizing on a momentary lapse in Wikki’s defence to find the back of the net in the 44th minute, ending the first half on one goal apiece. The second half saw Wikki Tourists push forward in search of a winner, with their head coach Abdu Maikaba introducing fresh legs to add more firepower. The pressure almost paid off when Wikki were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute, but the Kwara United goalkeeper produced a brilliant save off the spot kick by Abdullahi Usman to deny the home side what could have been a decisive goal. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Wikki Tourists couldn’t break down the resilient visitors as the match ended 1–1, a result that left Wikki Tourists supporters leaving the stadium visibly dejected. Wikki Tourists will now turn attention to the next fixture, a tough Northeast Derby away to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri next weekend, where the team will be hoping to bounce back with a positive result.
NPFL preliminary statement on incident in Kano
The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) said it monitored and has noted with concern the disturbing reports and viral video clips from this evening’s NPFL Matchday 8 between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, indicating that fans invaded the pitch shortly after the final whistle. The statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, assured that while the league awaits the official match reports and complete video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees, “we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans.” The League is also assuring all stakeholders and football lovers that this isolated incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports. He further stated that the NPFL has remained in touch with the Match Commissioner, the Referees and officials of Shooting Stars whose safety has been secured. “We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” Owumi concluded.
Double delight for Azubuike as Abia Warriors see off El-Kanemi
Two first-half goals from Abia Warriors youngster, Casmir Azubuike, secured a vital win for the hosts over visiting El-Kanemi Warriors in a Matchday 8 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday. It was a game where the hosts made their intentions known from the first blast of the referee’s whistle, having a go at their opponents. Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, made only one change to the side that lost in Enugu. Sunday Megwo returning to the starting lineup after missing the games against Kwara United in Ilorin and Rangers in Enugu. Shedrack Asiegbu made way for him. Within three minutes of the game, dazzling winger, Suraj Lawal found his way into the opponents’ box, but his shot was met with a desperate block. Five minutes later, Emeka Obioma’s shot was parried to safety. The striker was denied again in the 13th minute as El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, parried his shot yet again. Otuyiga was again called into action in the 20th minute as he doused the panic caused by Suraj’s cross into his box. But he was helpless as the home side went into the lead four minutes later. The Umuahia club orchestrated a string of passes, culminating in a simple pass to Megwo, who had roamed into the visitors’ box before backheeling a pass to Casmir Azubuike to score the opener. Azubuike completed his brace three minutes later as Jubrin Faiz’s delivery into El-Kanemi Warriors’ box caused a mix-up between Otuyiga and his centre-back, Habila David, and Azubuike was quick to put the ball into an empty net. Lawal was unlucky as his goal in the 36th minute was ruled out for offside. It came on the heels of another enterprising play from Umu Chineke. The second half saw the visitors come out in search of a goal as they began to find their rhythm. But it was the hosts who could have extended their lead as their penalty appeal was waved away by the Rivers State centre referee, Uchenna Enyadike, in the 51st minute. Megwo appeared to reach a through-ball in the visitors’ box, only to be brought down by the goalkeeper, Otuyiga, and the referee awarded a freekick instead, to the chagrin of the home side’s bench and the spectators who voiced their disapproval. Despite wholesome substitutions from both sides, Abia Warriors saw the match through and secured all the three points at stake to stay second on the table. Up next for Abia Warriors is a date with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan.
Dogo confident ahead of clash with Abia Warriors
El-Kanemi Warriors head coach, Kabiru Sulaiman Dogo, has expressed optimism about his team’s chances of securing a positive result on the road against Abia Warriors on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the NPFL Matchday 8 encounter in Umuahia, Dogo recalled that the last meetings between the two sides ended with a 3–0 victory for El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri and a 2–1 win for Abia Warriors in the reverse fixture. “We are here in Umuahia to continue with what we are known for whenever we face Abia Warriors. My boys are ready for the clash,” Dogo said. “They were fully motivated by the Borno State Government before leaving Maiduguri.” Assistant coach Hussaini Goni also shared his excitement after seeing the Babagana Umara Zulum Boys respond positively during training sessions. “Our boys are capable of picking something very significant here in Umuahia. I remember when we beat them 2–0 in the President Federation Cup and 3–0 in the NPFL season. I believe we can build on those good results,” Goni said. El-Kanemi captain Zayad Musa assured the technical crew of the players’ total commitment. “We are going to put smiles on your faces. We have quickly adapted to the techniques and strategies given to us and will remain fully dedicated to delivering a good performance for El-Kanemi Warriors,” Zayad said.
Kwara Utd seek to regain rhythm under Ashifat’s reign
Kwara United held their final training session on Saturday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 8 encounter with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi on Sunday with the resolve to get back on track. Despite suffering back-to-back league defeats, the Harmony Boys remain undeterred in their ambition to challenge for the top spots in the league. The team have continued to show resilience and determination to regain their rhythm and momentum. Kwara United head coach Ashifat Suleiman is expected to make some tactical adjustments to his starting lineup for the clash, while maintaining the core of the squad. Club captain Kabir Mohammed assured fans that the team is focused on returning to winning ways, emphasizing their commitment to working hard until they reach full strength again. Both teams have not met in recent seasons, as Wikki Tourists only recently earned promotion back to the NPFL after a few years in the lower division. Currently, Wikki sit 15th on the log, while Kwara United occupy 13th place. During Saturday’s training session, the Harmony Boys displayed urgency and sharpness, responding effectively to tactical instructions from the technical crew — a clear sign of their readiness to deliver a strong performance on Sunday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi. It will be LIVE on NPFL-Live/Propel Sports.
Matchday 8 preview: Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars Sports Club make their way to Kano for a high-stakes fixture against Kano Pillars FC in Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The match is set for Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the iconic Sani Abacha Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM. CURRENT FORM AND MOMENTUM Shooting Stars arrive in good form following a morale-boosting 1–0 home victory over Plateau United on Matchday 7. The result marked the third win of the campaign and reflected a team steadily growing in confidence under Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro. The side has found a better balance in recent weeks, combining defensive solidity with intelligent build-up play through midfield. Backed by a crowd of 6,251 supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium last weekend, belief continues to swell within the camp. A positive result in Kano would not only add to the momentum but also strengthen the team’s credentials as one of the most disciplined sides in the early stages of the season. Kano Pillars, meanwhile, are aiming to maintain their reputation as a formidable side at home. Despite some recent inconsistencies, they remain strong at the Sani Abacha Stadium and are always well-supported. Head Coach Evans Ogenyi will be looking to guide his team back to winning ways and reassert their presence in a comfortable tier of the league table. HEAD TO HEAD HISTORY The last ten league meetings between both sides have produced a mix of outcomes, with neither team maintaining prolonged dominance: • Shooting Stars wins: 5 • Kano Pillars wins: 4 • Draws: 1 Most recently, Kano Pillars claimed a 3–1 victory over 3SC in May 2025, but the Oluyole Warriors had the upper hand in both meetings earlier in the year, including a 2–1 away win in April and a 2–0 home win in December 2024. TEAM NEWS AND SELECTION Shooting Stars are expected to name a largely unchanged squad from the Matchday 7 triumph. Goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal retains his spot following an assured display, while key performers such as Kabir Tijani, Ismail Ayodele, and Ayobami Junior are available and likely to feature prominently once again. Alex Aghahowa continues his recovery and is closest to returning among the injured quartet. Coach Aweroro will have the benefit of continuity and tactical flexibility, giving him the option to adapt to the challenge posed by Kano Pillars’ direct and physical approach. For the hosts, the presence of seasoned campaigners will be key. Captain Ahmed Musa brings leadership and attacking threat, while midfield veteran Rabiu Ali remains pivotal in dictating tempo. Defender Mohammed Mukhtar and goalkeeper Abuchi are also expected to start, providing structure at the back. TACTICAL OUTLOOK AND FINAL THOUGHTS Matches between Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars have historically been tightly contested, with both teams known for their competitive edge and loyal fan bases. The outcome often hinges on midfield battles and styles of play which has been witnessed in recent games. For 3SC, staying disciplined, organized and compact while exploiting spaces during transitions could prove decisive and converting chances will prove the difference. Kano Pillars, on the other hand, will look to assert dominance early with their direct style and experienced core in their fold. A good result in Kano would mark a significant milestone for Shooting Stars, showing confidence and focus in competing consistently away from home. MATCH DETAILS Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars SC Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Sunday, October 12, 2025 4:00 PM
Matchday 8 preview: Top spot, unbeaten runs, form, pride at stake
It is a full cast of fixtures this matchweek in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and another blockbuster Sunday also awaits us with mouthwatering matches that will see bragging rights, form and pride at stake. The race for points tightens across 10 stadia this gameweek as focus will fall on Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Lafia, Katsina, Lagos, Umuahia and Bauchi where the big guns and struggling sides will vie for honours. Despite the campaign being in the early stage, every point matters for all 20 clubs. UNBEATEN STREAKS AT STAKE Enyimba and Rivers United start this matchweek as the only unbeaten sides. Second-placed Enyimba will face new boys Kun Khalifat FC who return to their Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri for the first time this season after the ground underwent repairs. The People’s Elephant are favourites to get a result in this contest in a stadium that has become a familiar place for them. Last season Enyimba won 3-1 against Heartland, who were relegated to the second tier and the new boys will be wary of that. Rivers United, with a game in hand, have been untouchable at home in the NPFL in their last 16 matches. They face off-form Bayelsa United in the Niger Delta Derby and every odds points to Finidi George’s men being favourites to win this considering both teams’ form guide in recent games. SHOOTING STARS FACE BIG TASK IN KANO Kano Pillars like the other big sides have not enjoyed a cruising start to the season but somehow they have scratched out slim wins at home against Rangers and Kwara United. That now represents a task for Nurudeen Aweroro and his men to take up when they face Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday. Aweroro’s 3SC have equally shaken off a lethargic start to the campaign by winning their last three matches and will hope they can keep that form going against Sai Masu Gida. This rivalry is expected to throw up fireworks as both teams are known for their attacking flair. It is guaranteed to also be a tight contest. NASARAWA UNITED AIM TO STAY TOP The Solid Miners know that another win this Sunday will continue to keep them at the top of the table. This is also one of the standout matches this gameweek as Mbwas Mangut’s side have been solid at home and in their last five meetings with Rangers in this corresponding fixture, Nasarawa United have won all five. However, Rangers cannot be written off just yet as they have started finding their rhythm. The Flying Antelopes are unbeaten in their last three matches (W2 D1) with Godwin Obaje playing a central figure, scoring four times in those last three games. Obaje goes into this gameweek as the man in form. CITY & INSURANCE IN LATE KICKOFF As usual when Ikorodu City play at home these days, we are guaranteed a late kickoff of night football at the Water Front in Onikan, Lagos. Last season, Bendel Insurance were swept away 3-0 in this same fixture with City producing three different goalscorers in Rivio Ayemwenre, Kelechi Onwe and Toheeb Ajeyigbe in a second half blitz. Insurance are now under interim head coach, Baldwin Bazuaye after the suspension of Greg Ikhenoba for poor run of results in recent matches. Interestingly, both teams have managed just one win apiece since the start of this campaign, and they will want to bounce back wins. Other matches will see the champions Remo Stars go up north to face Katsina United. The champions might line up a side that will mean giving some of their big names rest ahead of the CAF Champions League game against South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns but that should not play down their free-flowing style. Abia Warriors will be keen to stay within touching distance of the top-three when they host El-Kanemi Warriors while Warri Wolves will aim for back-to-back wins after a 1-0 success at Barau FC last matchday. Newcomers Barau FC head to Jos to face Plateau United in what is deemed a Herculean task, and in Bauchi, one of the promoted sides, Wikki Tourists face Kwara United after four matches without a win. At the end of the late kickoff in Lagos on Sunday we will know who takes the spotlight in this matchweek. MATCHDAY 8 FIXTURES Sunday, October 12, 2025 Katsina United v Remo Stars Abia Warriors v El-Kanemi Warriors Rivers United v Bayelsa United Warri Wolves v Niger Tornadoes Plateau United v Barau FC Wikki Tourists v Kwara United Kano Pillars v 3SC Kun Khalifat FC v Enyimba Nasarawa United v Rangers Ikorodu City v Bendel Insurance (5:30pm)
