The Nigeria Premier Football League has taken the decision to play the upcoming Matchday 11 fixture between Wikki Tourists and Barau FC behind closed doors, citing crowd trouble at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

This decision follows an incident of crowd disturbance that occurred at the same venue last month during a match between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars. In response to the league’s decision, Wikki Tourists have issued a statement appealing for calm among their supporters. The club has asked fans to remain understanding and to continue supporting the team through prayer as they prepare for the crucial encounter.

Wikki Tourists are heading into the match with renewed confidence after securing a victory over Shooting Stars last weekend. The team’s management acknowledges the passion and desire of their fans to attend the match but emphasizes that the decision to play behind closed doors is beyond their control.

The Sani Abacha Stadium has been the venue for several high-profile matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League, and the decision to exclude fans is seen as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential disturbances. The league organizers are taking steps to ensure the safety and security of players, officials, and spectators.

The match between Wikki Tourists and Barau FC is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams seeking to gain valuable points in the league standings. Despite the absence of fans, the team is counting on the support of their followers to cheer them on from afar. The outcome of the match will be closely watched by football fans across the country, and the team’s performance will be crucial in determining their position in the league table.

The Nigeria Premier Football League has been working to improve the overall fan experience and to prevent crowd trouble at matches. The decision to play the match behind closed doors is part of these efforts, and the league will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders.