Society Gists

In a dramatic and unsettling aftermath to Sunday’s South-West derby clash between Ikorodu City FC and Shooting Stars SC (3SC), military personnel were called in to rescue players, coaches, and officials of the visiting Ikorodu side following violent scenes at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture ended in a goalless draw, but what transpired off the pitch quickly stole the headlines. Following the final whistle, a section of enraged home fans, dissatisfied with the result, erupted into violence—targeting match officials, the visiting team, and their supporters.

Samuel Bamisebi, Director of Media and Communication for Ikorodu City, revealed the harrowing details in a conversation with our aourceon Monday.

According to Bamisebi, the situation became so tense that players and officials were locked inside the stadium to shield them from angry fans who had gathered outside.

“The game finished, and some irate fans were outside. They were causing violence and waiting for either the away side, the referee, or the home team,” he said.

“We already had reports of 3SC fans damaging our other buses that had our fans inside. Some of our fans were injured.”

The intensity of the situation forced authorities to seek emergency help. Bamisebi noted that a Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor intervened by bringing in military escorts** to safely extract the team and match officials.

“They fired a few shots into the air to disperse the crowd. It was only after that that we could exit the stadium safely.”

Viral videos that circulated across social media platforms confirmed the unrest, showing missiles being hurled and security forces stepping in to restore order.

The incident has sparked widespread concerns about fan violence, safety protocols, and the need for stricter security measures in the NPFL. While no fatalities were reported, the damage to one of the buses conveying Ikorodu City fans, and the injuries sustained, highlight the grave dangers that such volatile environments pose to players and supporters alike.

Current Standings: A High-Stakes Encounter

Sunday’s match was more than a derby—it was a clash between two teams tightly positioned on the NPFL table. Shooting Stars currently sit fourth with 48 points, while Ikorodu City is in sixth place with 46 points, further intensifying the rivalry between the South-West clubs.

Call for Sanctions and Reform

Stakeholders and football lovers have begun calling on the League Management Company (LMC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to investigate the incident thoroughly and impose appropriate sanctions to deter future occurrences. Ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans must remain paramount as the league grows in popularity.

This unfortunate event casts a shadow on what should have been a proud showcase of Nigerian football talent and sportsmanship. As Ikorodu City recovers from the traumatic experience, attention now turns to how league authorities will respond—and what measures will be taken to prevent such chaos from reoccurring.