Kano Pillars have been sanctioned for multiple violations of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules following their home fixture against Rivers United on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The NPFL charged the Kano-based club with failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match, which allowed unauthorized individuals access to restricted areas.
The situation escalated further when supporters invaded the pitch, compromising the safety of players and officials.
In addition, Kano Pillars were found guilty of failing to control their fans, whose actions included intimidation and harassment of match officials.
The league also cited instances of gross misconduct by supporters, describing their behavior as damaging to the integrity and reputation of the competition.
As a result of these breaches, the club has been handed a series of fines totaling ₦15 million:
₦4 million for repeated failure to provide adequate security.
₦3 million for unsporting behavior bringing the game into disrepute.
₦3 million for failing to ensure proper conduct of supporters.
₦3 million for gross misconduct toward match officials.
₦2 million for match disruption and delay, including harassment of the referee.
Beyond financial penalties, Kano Pillars will also play their next three home matches behind closed doors —including their final home game of the current season and their first two home fixtures of the next campaign.
The club has been given 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
