The Delta State Sports Commission has formally protested to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following what it described as the unruly and destructive behavior of Wikki Tourists FC fans during Saturday’s final match of the 2025 NNL Super 8 playoffs at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The highly anticipated clash, which saw Warri Wolves emerge as champions, was marred by violent scenes after Wikki Tourists fell behind 3-0 by halftime. Enraged by their team’s performance and match officiating, fans of the Bauchi-based side reportedly vandalized stadium property, pulling out plastic seats and hurling them onto the pitch, alongside stones and other objects, some of which were directed toward the match officials.

Security personnel and event marshals were quickly deployed to restore order, but not before significant damage had been done to the stadium — one of Nigeria’s top-tier sporting facilities.

In response to the incident, the Delta State Sports Commission, through its chairman Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, has demanded that Wikki Tourists FC be held accountable and made to pay for the damage caused by their supporters.

“We have made our position known to the leadership of the NNL,” said Hon. Oborevwori. “We want Wikki to pay for the repairs of our stadium which they vandalized. Yobe Desert Stars did the same thing in the past and we are not happy with this repeated behavior. Football is a friendly game and must not become a do-or-die affair.”

He further warned that the Commission would not tolerate such misconduct in future tournaments hosted by the state and called on the NNL to take firm disciplinary action to deter similar behavior from clubs and their fans.

As of the time of filing this report, the NNL Board is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, sources within the league’s secretariat confirm that an investigation has commenced, with reports expected from match officials, stadium security, and the NNL Disciplinary Committee.

The NNL, which had earlier praised improvements in officiating and discipline during the 2024/2025 season, now faces a major test of its regulatory framework and its commitment to upholding match-day safety and facility protection.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium, which hosted the entire Super 8 playoffs, had until Saturday been the pride of the tournament, offering world-class pitch conditions and smooth logistics for clubs and fans alike. Saturday’s violence, however, cast a shadow on what had been a well-organized competition.

Multiple witnesses reported that the atmosphere became volatile as soon as Wikki Tourists fell behind by three goals in the first half. Agitated fans began voicing their displeasure and soon resorted to vandalism, ripping out plastic seats in the stands and targeting officials with thrown objects — including pebbles, bottles, and debris.

Officials had to delay the restart of the second half to allow security to calm tensions and clear the playing area.

“Clubs must take responsibility for their supporters,” he said. “If they cannot control them, then they must face the consequences. These kinds of actions not only damage public property but also endanger lives and undermine the integrity of the sport.”

The NNL Board is expected to meet within days to review the incident and deliberate on disciplinary measures. A report from the match officials and security coordinator is anticipated to be submitted within 48 hours.

For now, the damage at the Stephen Keshi Stadium serves as a sobering reminder that football’s spirit of unity and fair play can be undone in moments of chaos, and that strong governance and accountability remain vital to the future of the game.

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