‘Heartbreaking and Shameful’ - Ahmed Musa apologises over Kano Pillars violence

Kano Pillars General Manager and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa (MON, OON), has tendered an unreserved apology following the violent scenes that disrupted the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday evening.

The match, which ended in chaos, drew widespread condemnation from football fans, stakeholders, and governing bodies, prompting Musa to personally address the incident.

In a heartfelt statement on Sunday night, Musa described the events as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” insisting that such behaviour does not reflect the true identity of Kano Pillars or Nigerian football.

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“I tender an unreserved apology to everyone affected. Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for,” Musa said.

He extended his apology to the players, coaches, and supporters of Shooting Stars, match referees, NPFL and GTI officials, as well as football fans across Nigeria and beyond.

Musa assured that Kano Pillars FC will cooperate fully with the NPFL authorities to identify and sanction those responsible for the violence.

“We must confront this head-on. I assure everyone that Kano Pillars FC will work closely with the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for this shameful act, and they will face the full consequences of their actions,” he stated.

The former Leicester City and Al Nassr forward admitted that the club had fallen short of its values of fairness, respect, and honour, promising a review of internal structures to prevent future occurrences.

Addressing the club’s supporters directly, Musa urged them to channel their passion positively and to demonstrate discipline in supporting the team.

“Kano Pillars is a proud club with a rich legacy, and you are the heartbeat of this club. But true support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline,” he said.

“We must remind the world that our love for this club can be powerful without being destructive, that our passion can lift its image, not stain it.”

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Musa reaffirmed his commitment to restoring trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria.

“We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria,” he concluded.