Violence broke out on Wednesday after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Kwara United and Rivers United, with home supporters attacking match officials and preventing the Rivers United team from leaving the stadium.
A 7-second video circulating on social media showed Rivers United General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu, being attacked, with blood gushing out of his face.
Tensions Escalate After Late Equalizer
The unrest began during stoppage time, after Rivers United forward David Sholumade scored in the 90+3 minute to level the match at 1-1. This goal canceled out an earlier strike by Kwara United striker Mohammed Shamsudeen, who had given the hosts a 32nd-minute lead.
Eyewitnesses reported that anger grew among the home crowd as soon as the final whistle blew. Supporters, furious about the controversial equalizer, stormed restricted areas and confronted the referees. They claimed that Kwara United goalkeeper Suraju Ayeleso had been fouled in the build-up to the goal, which further fueled their protests.
Clashes and Escalation
As the protests escalated, some fans threw chairs and bottled water at the officials, while others reportedly tried to physically assault them. The situation intensified inside the stadium, with security personnel struggling to control the crowd.
The Rivers United delegation, including players and staff, were effectively confined inside the stadium for over 30 minutes after the match, with aggrieved supporters laying siege to the stadium’s main exit.
Inadequate Security Raises Concerns
Witnesses cited inadequate security as the primary factor in the escalation. Reports indicate that fewer than 20 police officers were deployed to manage a crowd of around 5,000 spectators. One source familiar with the incident said, “The security presence was too small for a match of this magnitude. The policemen were overwhelmed.”
Injuries and Investigation
At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed fatalities. However, the extent of injuries to match officials and players remains unclear. NPFL organizers and relevant security authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.
This violent disruption is expected to raise further scrutiny about crowd control measures, stadium security protocols, and the enforcement of league regulations within Nigerian football.
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