An opening day fixture of the new Nigeria Premier League season involving champions Kano Pillars has been postponed after armed robbers shot and wounded at least five players.

The League Management Company (LMC) announced that Saturday's match with Heartland was called off because of the attack on Thursday as Pillars travelled to the game in Owerri, eastern Nigeria.

Striker Mohammed Gambo, midfielder Eneji Otekpa and defender Reuben Ogbonnaya were among those who suffered bullet wounds when robbers opened fire after stealing cash and telephones.

"We are still in shock after the robbery," said Pillars defender Isaac Loute.

"They just opened fire at the bus and the bus stopped, the next thing they started asking us to bring out our money, which we did. They collected money and our phones.

"After which they still shot some of our players. We thank God nobody died," he added.