NPFL Slams Kano Pillars With ₦15m Fine, Stadium Ban Over Crowd Trouble

The Nigeria Premier Football League has imposed a total fine of ₦15 million on Kano Pillars following serious breaches of league regulations during their Matchday fixture against Rivers United on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

In a strongly worded statement, the league body cited multiple violations of its Framework and Rules, particularly highlighting the club’s failure to provide adequate and effective security at the match venue. This lapse resulted in unauthorised individuals gaining access to restricted areas, thereby compromising safety protocols.

The situation escalated further when supporters invaded the pitch, endangering players and match officials. The NPFL described the conduct of the fans as “capable of bringing the game into disrepute”, adding that incidents of intimidation and harassment directed at match officials were unacceptable and damaging to the integrity of the competition.

A breakdown of the sanctions shows that Kano Pillars were fined ₦4 million for repeated failure to provide adequate security. An additional ₦3 million penalty was issued for acts of unsporting behaviour, while another ₦3 million fine was imposed for failing to control supporters whose actions led to the harassment and intimidation of officials.

The club was further sanctioned with ₦3 million for gross misconduct towards match officials and ₦2 million for disruptions that led to delays and stoppage of play, including the harassment of the centre referee.

Beyond financial penalties, Kano Pillars will also play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors. This includes their only remaining home game of the current season, with the other two to be served at the start of the next campaign.

The NPFL reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on crowd disorder and warned clubs to take full responsibility for their supporters’ conduct. Kano Pillars have been given 48 hours from the date of notification to lodge an appeal against the sanctions.