Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Kano Pillars, will return to their home ground, the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, from their next fixture against Nasarawa United on Monday after serving a period of banishment to Katsina, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Sai Masu Gida were handed an indefinite stadium ban and ordered to play home matches in Katsina, in addition to a three-point and three-goal deduction, in October following crowd trouble during their 1–1 draw against Shooting Stars. The unrest reportedly led to injuries to opposition players and match officials.
However, the banishment was later reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation after the club protested the Nigeria Premier Football League’s decision. The committee reduced the sanction to a five-match stadium ban, effective from the date of the original punishment.
“An order closing the Sani Abacha Stadium indefinitely is hereby reduced to a five-match ban to run concurrently from the date of the sanction,” the NFF committee said in a statement.
Pillars marked their fifth and final home match in Katsina with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Sunday.
Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa scored the winning goal in the 48th minute, sealing the club’s fifth win of the season as they continue their battle against relegation.
During their temporary stay in Katsina, Pillars recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat.
Ahead of their return to Kano, the club expressed gratitude to Katsina United and the people of Katsina State for their support.
“The management, board, players, technical crew and the entire Kano Pillars FC family wish to express our profound appreciation to Katsina United FC, the Katsina State Football Association, the government and good people of Katsina State, as well as the wonderful Katsina football fans, for the massive support and hospitality extended to our club during our temporary relocation to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium,” the club said in a statement.
“Throughout this period, we enjoyed a warm, peaceful and highly supportive environment that greatly contributed to our positive experience and performances. As we prepare to return to our base at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, we leave Katsina with deep gratitude, fond memories and renewed respect for the football family in the state.”
Kano Pillars are currently 20th on the NPFL table with 16 points from 18 matches.
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