Super Eagles striker slams "Unnecessary" fan harassment in Southwest derby chaos

Nigeria international striker Alimi Sikiru has hit out at the "unnecessary" harassment he received from fans during the heated Southwest derby between his former club Shooting Stars and Remo Stars.

Sikiru, who now plays for Remo, had an unhappy return to his old stomping ground as the Oluyole Warriors claimed a 2-0 win over the Sky Blue Stars courtesy of Christian Pyagbara's brace on Sunday.

However, the 27-year-old was left angered by the treatment he received from sections of the Shooting Stars faithful before and during the game.

Taking to social media after the match, the former U23 Eagles star questioned the aggressive behavior directed at him by some supporters.

"I don't know what you were told or what you all heard, but the harassments were really unnecessary and uncalled for to a former player," Sikiru posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Responding to a video circulating of abusive chants towards him of "Sikiru, Ole (Thief)", he added: "If this was the case, it would have been ok by me...why the physical harassment and wetin I thief abeg (what did I steal)?"

Sikiru's complaints will raise fresh concerns over player safety and treatment by fans, particularly in rivalry matches in the Nigerian league.

It comes just after the shocking scenes in Turkey where Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi-Samuel was involved in a confrontation with supporters who invaded the pitch following their match against Trabzonspor.

With tensions often running high in derbies and high-profile fixtures, Sikiru's case shows there is still work to be done in Nigeria to better control fan behavior and ensure proper treatment of players.

On the field, at least, it was a good day for Shooting Stars as Pyagbara's double fired them to an impressive win over their regional rivals in the NPFL.