Chaos in Ibadan: Ikorodu City FC Players Held Hostage After Goalless Draw Against Shooting Stars in NPFL Thriller.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was thrown into the spotlight on Sunday evening as chaos erupted at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a goalless stalemate between Shooting Stars SC (3SC) and Ikorodu City FC. The tense atmosphere quickly devolved into violence, with disturbing scenes reported both inside and outside the stadium.
The much-anticipated Southwest derby between Shooting Stars SC, one of Nigeria’s traditional football powerhouses, and Ikorodu City FC, a fast-rising team in the NPFL, ended without goals. Despite the lack of goals, the draw was a moral victory for the visiting side, Ikorodu City, who had already defeated 3SC earlier in the season in the first leg played in Lagos.
However, what was expected to be a competitive and spirited encounter turned into a nightmare after the final whistle.
According to several eyewitnesses and viral videos circulating on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), fans of the home team, Shooting Stars, stormed the players’ tunnel and forcibly held Ikorodu City FC players and coaching staff hostage inside their dressing room for more than 80 minutes. The situation escalated to the point where military intervention was required to rescue the trapped team.
Graphic images and footage from the scene showed injured fans bleeding from head wounds, creating widespread concern about safety and security at NPFL match venues. Reports also suggested that match officials, including referees, and some Ikorodu City supporters were physically assaulted during the post-match turmoil.
One of the club’s directors, Suleiman Adebayo, shared his account of the traumatic experience, stating, “Thank God for safety. It was hell.” His statement echoes the shock and horror felt by the entire Ikorodu City FC delegation.
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The league governing body, NPFL, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, sparking outrage among Nigerian football fans, analysts, and stakeholders. Many have taken to social media to demand disciplinary measures against Shooting Stars SC, a full investigation into the incident, and a comprehensive overhaul of stadium security protocols to prevent future occurrences.
This violent episode is not only a blemish on the NPFL’s reputation but also a significant setback for Shooting Stars, who were hoping to keep their continental football dreams alive with a victory. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City FC remains in strong contention, having accumulated 46 points from 31 matches so far in the season.
As pressure mounts on the NPFL leadership to act decisively, questions are being asked about the safety of players and officials in Nigerian football. Will this latest incident serve as a wake-up call for the league to enforce stricter security standards and punish clubs whose fans engage in violence?
One thing is clear — what happened in Ibadan on Sunday goes beyond football. It’s a reflection of a system in dire need of reform.
