In a disciplinary ruling issued on Wednesday, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) announced that Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has been fined a total of ₦5 million following a violent incident involving their supporters after a recent league fixture. The NPFL also ordered the immediate closure of the Lekan Salami Stadium to spectators for the remainder of the current season.
The sanction follows an investigation into events that unfolded on Sunday, when Shooting Stars hosted Ikorodu City Football Club in a match that ended in a goalless draw. The fixture, part of the ongoing NPFL campaign, quickly descended into chaos after the final whistle. Irate 3SC fans reportedly attempted to confront and physically assault the visiting team, forcing players and officials of Ikorodu City to seek refuge within the stadium premises.
According to reports verified by the NPFL disciplinary panel, it required the intervention of Nigerian Army personnel stationed nearby to safely escort the Ikorodu City delegation out of the stadium. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the away team was deliberately locked inside the facility to shield them from the angry crowd gathered outside. The club’s Director of Media and Communications, Samuel Bamisebi, confirmed that supporters had become unruly and damaged one of the buses used to transport Ikorodu City fans from Lagos to the match venue.
After reviewing evidence from match officials, security operatives, and both clubs involved, the NPFL concluded that Shooting Stars was guilty on three counts:
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Failure to provide adequate security arrangements for the match.
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Failure to control and ensure proper conduct of supporters.
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Supporter misconduct involving attacks on the opposition and the throwing of objects onto the pitch and at match officials.
As a result, 3SC has been fined ₦1 million for each of the three violations, amounting to ₦3 million. Additionally, the club is required to pay ₦2 million in compensation for damages caused to Ikorodu City’s bus, bringing the total financial penalty to ₦5 million.
Beyond monetary sanctions, the NPFL has taken the significant step of imposing a stadium ban on Shooting Stars. Effective immediately, the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan will be closed to fans for the remainder of the league season. This measure is intended to prevent further incidents and send a strong signal on the league’s zero-tolerance policy towards violence and crowd trouble.
The NPFL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order and safety across all match venues, stressing that clubs must take full responsibility for the actions of their fans. Clubs found complicit in similar incidents moving forward may face stiffer penalties, including point deductions or stadium suspensions beyond a single season.
This ruling highlights the league’s broader efforts to professionalize matchday operations and restore confidence in the domestic game. Clubs are urged to invest in improved security coordination and implement fan engagement strategies that promote discipline and sportsmanship.
While 3SC has not yet released an official response, compliance with the penalties is expected to be enforced without delay. The developments raise pressing questions about crowd control and safety in Nigerian football, particularly as the league strives to rebuild its image and attract larger audiences.
