Ikorodu City derby
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially voiced its “deep concern” and frustration following disturbing reports of crowd violence during the high-stakes Matchday 20 derby between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City. Despite pre-match efforts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere, the encounter at the Ikenne Stadium was marred by physical attacks and chaos that have once again cast a shadow over the league’s reputation.
In response to the escalating tension, the NPFL has summoned both clubs to an investigative hearing at the league’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The Match: A Narrow Win Overshadowed by Chaos
On Wednesday, January 14, Remo Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their South West rivals, Ikorodu City, thanks to a 47th-minute strike by Haruna Hadi. While the win was a morale booster for the “Sky Blue Stars,” the footballing achievement was quickly eclipsed by events off the pitch.
Reports and viral video footage surfaced showing physical attacks on supporters and the vandalization of the Ikorodu City team bus. Specifically, videos reviewed by media outlets showed the visiting team’s bus with shattered windows and a wrecked front section, allegedly the result of an assault by irate home supporters.
NPFL Reaction: “We Are Not Happy”
The Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi, expressed severe disappointment over the incident. What makes this particular case frustrating for league authorities is the fact that a reconciliation and peace meeting had been held just 24 hours before the match.
The NPFL had sensed the growing acrimony between the two clubs and had invited top management from both sides to Abuja on Tuesday, January 13, to “engender an atmosphere of peace and sportsmanship.”
“In light of the reports and video evidence that are in our possession, the NPFL is inviting the two clubs to an investigative hearing,” Owumi stated. “The league body is not happy with the violence witnessed during the game, especially after efforts were made to settle differences.”
The “Revenge” Narrative: A Cycle of Violence?
Social media commentary and early reports suggest that the violence in Ikenne may have been a “retaliation” for a previous incident. During the first-leg encounter in Lagos in late December 2025, Remo Stars’ staff and players alleged they were assaulted by Ikorodu City supporters, an incident that led to a N3 million fine and a home fan ban for Ikorodu City.
This “tit-for-tat” culture among supporters is exactly what the NPFL is looking to dismantle. By summoning both clubs to Abuja, the league aims to address both the immediate and remote causes of the friction.
What to Expect from the Investigative Hearing
On Monday, January 19, officials from Remo Stars and Ikorodu City will face a disciplinary panel. The NPFL has indicated it will use video evidence and match commissioner reports to identify the culprits. Potential outcomes of this hearing include:
- Hefty Fines: Monetary penalties for failing to provide adequate security.
- Closed-Door Matches: Forcing Remo Stars to play future home games without fans.
- Points Deduction: A more severe penalty if the clubs are found to have instigated the violence.
- Individual Bans: Identifying specific fans caught on camera and banning them from all NPFL venues.
The Importance of Stadium Safety
For the NPFL to grow into a commercially viable brand that attracts international sponsors, stadium safety is paramount. Crowd violence not only endangers lives but also deters families and casual fans from attending matches, ultimately hurting the league’s revenue and global standing.
The NPFL has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on violence, emphasizing that the rules and framework of the league will be invoked to apply due sanctions to anyone found culpable.
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