Malicious conducts such as stadium invasion, hostage taking, throwing of objects, match interruption, all culminating from poor security have become customary to the Nigerian Professional Football League.
With recurrent incidents of fans taking over the pitches for celebration or demonstration, the safety of players, match officials, and other parts of the stadium personnel have grown into a menace.
This has shaped conversations among the football enthusiasts within the country, while driving a negative narrative from the outside world. On several occasions, the league management have received backlashes for failing to bring the problem under control.
Against this backdrop, recent incidents between 2025 and 2026 have attracted bold action from the authorities of NPFL. Offending teams have been slammed with heavy fines, stadium bans, and point deductions, as the league sanctioned stiffer regulations and enforced strict penalties for misconducts.
A Scapegoat Kwara United
Kwara United Football Club was handed a severe sanction, after a suffocating display that dent their recent home clash against Rivers United at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, similarly known as Kwara State Stadium sitting in Ilorin.
Before the sudden episode of crowd unrest, Shamsudeen Muhammed’s early goal had packed his side on the driver’s seat in the first–half, before the visitors fought back with a dramatic stoppage–time equaliser, pegging Kwara United into an unfavourable 1–1 draw.
The late goal triggered a spur from the home supporters, leading to unethical displays after the final whistle.
Numerous videos circulating online captured fans chasing match officials, while others targeted visitors’ staff. While officiating masters were harassed and physically assaulted, several individuals including spectators secured bodily injuries.
Investigation by NPFL revealed multiple breaches by Kwara United; failure to deploy adequate security, allowing unauthorized access to secure zones, inability to control fan behavior.
Those actions deemed as unsporting conduct attracted damning sanctions to the club. A fine of N9 million, points deduction, and a prohibition from hosting home matches, marked the league’s commitment to maintaining order and safety in Nigerian football.
Earlier Sanctions
Unholy behaviours in Nigeria’s league matches have followed the same pattern, measured with the same punishments.
Recall that the NPFL committee has slapped defending champions Remo Stars with stiffer sanctions, following similar events as Kwara United during their Matchday 20 game against Ikorodu City on 14th January, 2026.
The match resulted in a brawl between spectators that injured away supporters while damaging the visitors’ bus. Poor security measures were also cited during the encounter. Therefore, the club was handed a total fine of ₦7 million, plus a ban from hosting home matches at their Ikenne stadium.
The statement released on 22nd January, 2026 by the management of NPFL labeled the fans behavior as barbaric.
In April 2025, the league imposed a fine of N3.5 million on El–Kanemi, directing the club to play its remaining matches behind the closed doors.
The league body also punished Kano Pillars with a heavy fine of N9.5 million, following the violent episodes that unfolded during their Matchday 8 against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The prompt, much–needed punishments underscored the league commitment to fight unsporting behaviours that have plagued NPFL.
While the stiffer sanctions served as a framework to charge match organisers of their responsibility of prioritising safety, those measures remind fans that passion for football and club must not be interpreted into hooliganism — protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s top-flight football.