When it comes to crowd violence and misconduct, no club in Nigerian football has racked up more fines — or more controversy — than Kano Pillars Football Club.

 

In a disturbing trend that highlights systemic issues with fan behavior, Kano Pillars have been fined a staggering ₦36.75 million since 2019 due to violent incidents and breaches of conduct linked to their supporters. The most recent shameful episode occurred during a heated fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in October 2025, sparking national outrage and a fresh wave of criticism toward the club’s culture of impunity.

 

The club’s growing rap sheet paints a picture of consistent indiscipline, with fines imposed across multiple seasons:

• October 2024 – ₦2 million

• January 2024 – ₦12 million

• October 2023 – ₦1 million

• June 2022 – ₦2.25 million

• April 2022 – ₦9 million

• March 2022 – ₦2.5 million

• June 2019 – ₦8 million

 

Despite repeated sanctions, point deductions, and temporary bans from their home stadium, the club has struggled to rein in the behavior of its supporters — often cited as among the most passionate but also the most volatile in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

The NPFL, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and even the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development have all condemned the recurring incidents, but many observers believe stronger action — including possible suspensions or relegation threats — may now be necessary to break the cycle.

 

Last week, Ahmed Musa, the former Super Eagles captain and now General Manager of Kano Pillars, issued a public and emotional apology for the latest violent outbreak, calling it “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable.” He vowed accountability and reform, promising to work with authorities to punish those responsible.

 

However, critics say the apologies are beginning to sound hollow.

 

“At some point, we have to ask — how many more apologies will follow more violence?” said a senior NPFL official who requested anonymity. “This isn’t a one-off. This is now part of their identity. That should worry everyone.”

 

With the eyes of the Nigerian football community fixed on Kano once again, the pressure is mounting — not just to punish the club, but to demand a cultural shift within its leadership, fanbase, and operations.

 

The question now is whether the club — one of Nigeria’s most storied — can reclaim its reputation or whether it will continue down a path that threatens the safety, integrity, and spirit of the beautiful game.