The Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) to make safety and fan experience top priorities across all domestic match venues nationwide.
CSP Chijioke Kalu, Director of Player Safety and Security at NANPF, issued the call on Saturday in Abuja, stressing the urgent need to create safer, more inclusive football environments for players, fans, and vulnerable groups, especially in the wake of crowd troubles that marred matches last season.
“The disturbing incident that occurred when Rangers hosted Enyimba International FC in Enugu must not repeat itself,” Kalu warned. “We must move from reactive responses to proactive, system-wide safety planning at all league levels—from the NPFL to the grassroots NLO.”
He urged all stakeholders—especially clubs, stadium operators, and league organizers—to prioritize children, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly in their matchday planning and stadium management.
“Every fan, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability, should feel safe, welcome, and respected at our stadiums,” Kalu stated.
To this end, NANPF is recommending the implementation of clear signage around stadiums, including child-friendly zones, family seating areas, accessible entrances, and safety instructions in local languages.
Kalu also encouraged the development of a mobile-friendly digital platform to assist fans in real time with navigation, emergency contacts, and accessibility features.
