Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
Security personnel at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano denied entry to three accredited journalists on Saturday, preventing them from covering the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match between Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes.
Eyewitnesses said a member of the Kano Pillars Fans Club insisted the journalists purchase match tickets, despite their media accreditation.
One journalist expressed frustration, explaining, “I introduced myself and explained that I was there to cover the match, but the security personnel refused to grant me entry.”
Tensions escalated when more members of the Kano State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) arrived, only to face further resistance.
Efforts to reach the Chairman of the Kano Pillars Fans Club for comment were unsuccessful.
This incident raises concerns about the treatment of journalists at Nigerian sports events and underscores the need for improved cooperation between sports organizations and the media.
