VIDEO: NPFL ‘Baby of the league’ held hostage in Ibadan after draw against Shooting Stars

A disturbing incident unfolded at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Sunday, after a goalless draw between Shooting Stars (3SC) and Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) match-day 32.

According to several reports, irate 3SC fans held the visiting team's players and officials hostage, preventing them from leaving the stadium for hours after the game.

Eyewitnesses reported that the Ikorodu City team bus was damaged, and some of their travelling fans sustained injuries when 3SC supporters resorted to violence at the end of the match. The match referee was also manhandled by the angry fans, who blamed him for their team's failure to win.

The situation became increasingly tense, with the Ikorodu City players and officials locked in the dressing room without lights.

However, after almost 90 minutes, a military escort provided by an Oyo State Government official arrived, allowing the team to exit the stadium safely.

One of Ikorodu City's club directors, Suleiman Adebayo expressed relief, saying, "Soldiers rescued Ikorodu City players and officials from Ibadan after the draw with Shooting Stars. Thank God for safety. It was hell."

The goalless draw put another dent in Shooting Stars' continental ambitions this season, leaving them fourth in the league with 48 points after 32 matches. Ikorodu City, on the other hand, remains sixth with 46 points.