The 2019 Aiteo Cup may have come and gone with some sweet and bitter memories to remember. The competition which was won by Kano Pillars after 29 years of long-wait saw the Masu Gida defeat Niger Tornadoes FC on Sunday via penalty at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
However, despite their victory on Sunday, the Club will always be remembered for their violent misconduct during the Super Six against Rangers at the Agege Stadium and captain Rabiu Ali’s indiscipline attitude, which saw the League Management Committee (LMC) banned him for 12 matches, while his club was handed a fine for crowd violence.
The same scenario also turned its ugly head again in the final of the Aiteo Cup despite the team’s victory against Tornadoes. With the scoreline still goalless after90 minutes, tension were high as fans from both side, most especially, the Kano Pillars were apprehensive to see the outcome of the penalties.
Drama ensued after Kano Pillar player converted the last penalty kick that gave the team victory at the expense of Tornadoes as supporters made their way into the pitch despite the presence of the security operative to celebrate with their team.
According to reports, security officials had to resort to the use of teargas to disperse rampaging Kano Pillars fans after their team’s victory.
The teargas used by the security officials led to pandemonium, as many inside the stadium scampered for safety, including the dignitaries who were present.
Victory or no victory, it was perhaps a national disgrace for the nation’s football considering the fact that it was televised live for global viewing and rather than create a peaceful environment worthy of celebrating any form of victory, the fans resorted to violent misconduct.
This should not be encouraged and in view, the LMC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must ensure that adequate security men are provided for football matches in order to avoid such occurrence.
