3SC fine: Owolabi, fans, call for improved security for players, officials

Posted : 11 April 2025

An ex-international, Dr. Felix Owolabi, has called for improved security arrangements for players and officials across stadia in Nigeria.

Owolabi, in an interview on Friday, noted that the rapid development and overall future of football in Nigeria depend on the security at local league venues.

The ex-Green Eagles legend was reflecting on the security breach at Sunday’s match in Ibadan between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Ikorodu City FC during the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 32.

Owolabi called for the installation of Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) across stadia to curb further security breaches and to serve as investigative tools in similar incidents.

It is recalled that the NPFL announced a ₦5 million fine on 3SC and a stadium ban on its supporters for the remaining home games of the season, following the vandalization of the Ikorodu City team’s bus by 3SC fans after the game.

“If we want entrepreneurs, investors, and other collaborators to come in and move football forward in Nigeria, then security is the number one consideration, whether it’s home or away games,” Owolabi stated.

“The destinies of players and officials are always in the hands of security personnel at the stadium.”

“In every game in Europe, security officers don’t even watch the game; they turn their backs to the pitch and face the fans to avoid any security breach.”

“In this kind of incident, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the problem due to the absence of CCTV cameras in the stadium.”

“If we had CCTV in all our stadia in Nigeria, security challenges would be significantly reduced,” he said.

Owolabi stated that it would be difficult to determine whether the incident was ignited by the home fans or if the away team intentionally caused it for one reason or another.

He noted that anything could happen because both teams were competing for the championship and were very close to each other on the league table.

“If you look at the league table, the two teams are close to each other, and there have been situations in the past where the away team brings their supporters to cause trouble and make it look like the home team’s supporters did it.”

“I’m not accusing any team or saying that’s what happened, but this is just a piece of advice to the league board to do everything possible to ensure the safety of players and officials,” he said.

He added that the issue of insecurity at match venues in Nigeria has discouraged some people from coming to the stadium to watch local games.

“In Europe, people are comfortable going to the stadium with their families to watch games.”

“Well, this punishment automatically means that Shooting Stars will lose revenue from ticket sales, among other benefits.”

“Fans and other stakeholders need to work hand in hand to ensure that security is guaranteed for everyone; this kind of issue will always affect the home team.”

“The real supporters must be identified by the club with their identity cards; with the current arrangement in the stadium, anyone can come and claim to be a supporter,” he said.

Owolabi also urged local league managers to keep a close eye on match officiating and ensure that officials are selected based on the sensitivity and circumstances of each game.

“The decision of a referee is final and critical in every game, as the rule states that every decision in a game is at the referee’s discretion.”

“Players must also study and know the rules; regular seminars should be conducted before the start of each league season,” he said.

Meanwhile, a 3SC fan, Mr. Lateef Agbaje, said that the club’s fans had won the Most Peaceful Fans award back-to-back.

He added that the Lekan Salami Stadium had also been named the safest stadium in terms of fans' attitude in the past.

He, therefore, urged the NPFL to extend its investigation to the attitude and actions of the officials of the game.

Another 3SC supporter, Mr. Olawale Adediji, advised the club’s management to redouble its efforts in the remaining games.

He noted that the team could still secure one of the three available continental slots.

3SC fine: Owolabi, fans, call for improved security for players, officials

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