The Nigeria Premier Football League fined Shooting Stars ₦5 million and banned fans from attending games at Lekan Salami Stadium after supporters attacked Ikorodu City officials. The sanctions cover security lapses, misconduct by fans, and vandalism following a goalless derby match in Ibadan. NPFL enforces stricter safety rules.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has sanctioned Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) with a ₦5 million fine and ordered the closure of their home ground, Lekan Salami Stadium, to fans for the rest of the season. The decision follows a violent confrontation involving fans after Shooting Stars played a goalless draw with Ikorodu City FC.
Following the match in Ibadan, Oyo State, supporters of 3SC reportedly turned aggressive, targeting the visiting team. Security forces, including Nigerian Army personnel, intervened to protect Ikorodu City players and officials, who were briefly trapped inside the stadium.
Ikorodu City's media director, Samuel Bamisebi, revealed that the players and staff were locked inside for safety, preventing direct clashes with the angry crowd. One of the buses used by Ikorodu City fans was also vandalized during the chaos.
The NPFL disciplinary panel found Shooting Stars guilty on three counts: inadequate security arrangements, poor crowd management, and allowing missiles to be thrown at match officials. Each offense attracted a ₦1 million fine, while an additional ₦2 million was imposed to cover the cost of damages to Ikorodu City’s property.
The league’s strict measures highlight an ongoing effort to improve security and discipline at match venues across Nigeria’s top-flight football competition.
