There was panic on Saturday along the Abuja highway after the team bus conveying Bayelsa United players and officials suffered a frightening mechanical failure while travelling to Kano State for their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 22 fixture against Barau FC.
Reports indicated that one of the tyres of the bus came off while the vehicle was in motion, triggering moments of fear and confusion among the players, coaches and backroom staff onboard. The driver reportedly struggled to regain control of the bus as passengers screamed, fearing a possible crash on the busy highway.
Fortunately, the driver was able to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop, preventing what could have been a major accident. No injuries were reported, and all members of the Bayelsa United contingent were said to be safe following the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden tyre failure caused panic among other road users, with vehicles behind the team bus making abrupt stops to avoid a collision. The incident briefly disrupted traffic on the highway as the stranded bus was moved to the side of the road.
Following the scare, Bayelsa United officials immediately arranged for an alternative means of transportation to continue their journey to Kano. Sources close to the club said the players were initially shaken by the incident but later regained composure after being assured of their safety.
The club is expected to notify the NPFL authorities about the incident, especially as concerns continue to mount over the safety and welfare of players during long road trips to league fixtures. Nigerian clubs frequently travel long distances by road due to logistical and financial constraints, raising persistent questions about vehicle condition, maintenance standards and travel planning.
READ ALSO: Court Continues Trial in Anthony Joshua Aides’ Crash
Although no official statement had been released by Bayelsa United at the time of filing this report, fans and football stakeholders have taken to social media to express relief that no lives were lost, while also calling for improved safety measures for teams travelling for league matches.
Bayelsa United were scheduled to face Barau FC in Kano as part of Matchday 22 of the NPFL season. It remains unclear whether the incident will affect the team’s arrival time or preparation ahead of the encounter.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter safety regulations and support from football authorities to ensure clubs travel under safer conditions, particularly for fixtures requiring long-distance journeys across the country.
