The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been marred by incidents of hooliganism, with several clubs facing sanctions for failing to control unruly supporters. As Matchday 28 begins, the league continues to grapple with the consequences of fan violence that has turned some match venues into scenes of chaos.

The Kano Pillars’ Pitch Invasion

The wave of hooliganism began with Kano Pillars during a week 8 fixture against Shooting Stars. After a last-minute equalizer by Adam Mustapha, irate fans invaded the pitch, chasing match officials and attacking the visiting team. In response, the NPFL fined Pillars N9.5 million, docked three points and three goals, and banned them from playing at the Sani Abacha Stadium. They were relocated to Katsina, where they played several matches at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Pillars have since returned to their traditional home ground, but not before being penalized for their failure to ensure adequate security. Despite the sanctions, the team is now fighting against relegation, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face.

Katsina United’s Violent Encounter

Four weeks after the Pillars’ incident, Katsina United faced similar trouble during a week 12 match against Barau FC. After the visitors equalized to force a draw, fans invaded the pitch, leading to a deep cut on Barau FC’s midfielder, Nana Abraham. The match was paused for several minutes, and Katsina United was fined N9 million and ordered to play their home games behind closed doors at the Jos Township Stadium.

Despite the sanctions, Katsina United has returned to Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, indicating that the measures taken by the league may not be sufficient to curb such incidents.

Remo Stars and Ikorodu City’s Tensions

The next major incident occurred during a week 21 match between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City in Ikenne. The defending champions secured a narrow 1-0 win, but the match was marred by physical attacks on away fans and harassment of match officials. As a result, Remo Stars were fined N7 million and ordered to play their home games in Ibadan.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of fan violence and the need for stricter enforcement of league rules to prevent such occurrences.

Enyimba’s Controversial Match

Enyimba, the nine-time champions, faced hooliganism during their week 21 fixture against Barau FC. After a goalless draw, fans encroached into restricted zones and detained match officials for several hours. Enyimba was fined N5 million for failing to provide adequate security and improper conduct by their supporters. They were ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.

Despite the penalties, Enyimba remains a dominant force in the league, but the incident highlights the challenges the club faces in maintaining order during matches.

Wikki Tourists and Katsina United’s Two-Day Match

The most controversial match of the season occurred during the week 25 fixture between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. The match, which started on February 8, lasted for two days due to prolonged delays caused by pitch invasions after the visitors equalized to make it 3-3. The match ended in a 4-4 draw, and Wikki Tourists were fined N7.5 million and ordered to play their remaining home games behind closed doors in Jos.

This incident has been widely criticized and has raised questions about the league’s ability to manage such volatile situations effectively.

Kwara United’s Attack on Rivers United

The latest incident occurred during the rescheduled week 22 fixture between Kwara United and Rivers United at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl in Ilorin. After a 1-1 draw, unruly fans invaded the pitch and attacked Rivers United’s chairman, Okey Kpalukwu, leaving him with head injuries. Kwara United was fined N9 million, deducted three points and three goals, and ordered to play their remaining home matches at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

This incident has further fueled concerns about the safety of officials and players during matches and has prompted calls for more stringent measures to address fan violence.

Experts Call for Stricter Enforcement

Former NPFL chairman Chief Victor Rumson Baribote has criticized the league’s response to hooliganism, stating that the proximity of banished venues to home cities has undermined the effectiveness of sanctions. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the league’s rules and fair officiating to reduce incidents of violence.

“Punishment is to make one feel the impact of the offence committed, but when I am allowed to stay within my comfort zone, the punishment has no effect,” Baribote said in an exclusive interview with Weekend Trust Sports.

Baribote also called for referees to be firm and fair in their decisions, as inconsistent officiating can embolden hooligan elements within the fan base. He urged the league to take a more decisive approach to ensure the safety of all participants in the game.