The atmosphere at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, turned volatile on Sunday evening following a goalless draw between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Ikorodu City FC in a Nigeria Premier League match-day 32 fixture. The match, a Southwest derby with implications for both teams’ standings, concluded without incident on the pitch, but the post-match scene descended into chaos as irate 3SC fans, frustrated by their team’s inability to secure a victory, reportedly held players and officials of Ikorodu City hostage. The situation escalated rapidly, with reports alleging damage to the Ikorodu City team bus and injuries sustained by some of their travelling supporters caught in the melee.
The gravity of the incident was further underscored by allegations of the match referee being manhandled by the angry fans. Reports emerged from various sources, including veteran broadcaster Charles Anazodo, indicating that the Ikorodu City contingent, along with the match officials, were barricaded inside their dressing room for approximately an hour and a half after the game concluded, with the lights in the facility reportedly switched off. This created a tense and potentially dangerous situation for those trapped inside.
The situation prompted urgent intervention. After approximately 80 minutes of confinement, a military escort, reportedly arranged by the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security, arrived at the stadium to secure the safe passage of the Ikorodu City players and officials. The team was then escorted out of the stadium under military protection, bringing an end to the ordeal. One of Ikorodu City’s directors, Suleiman Adebayo, confirmed the team’s safe departure, describing the experience as “hell.”
This incident raises serious concerns about the security measures in place at Nigerian football stadiums and the potential for fan violence to disrupt matches and endanger the safety of players, officials, and supporters. The fact that a military escort was required to extract the visiting team highlights the gravity of the security breach and the failure of initial security protocols to contain the situation effectively. It underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the events that transpired, to identify the lapses in security and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The draw itself had significant implications for both teams in the league standings. Shooting Stars, with aspirations of continental qualification, saw their hopes dented by the result, leaving them in fourth place with 48 points after 32 matches. Ikorodu City, who managed to secure a point away from home despite the harrowing post-match experience, remain in sixth place with 46 points. While the on-field contest ended in a stalemate, the off-field events overshadowed the sporting outcome and cast a dark cloud over the match.
The incident at the Lekan Salami Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigerian football. While the passion and energy of football fans are integral to the sport’s vibrancy, incidents of violence and hooliganism threaten to undermine the positive aspects of the game. Addressing these security concerns and fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship among fans are crucial steps towards creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all stakeholders in Nigerian football, including players, officials, and supporters alike. A thorough investigation and subsequent preventative measures are essential to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, safeguarding the integrity and future of the sport in Nigeria.
