Tension erupted on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Katsina United and Barau Football Club, when Barau’s midfielder, Nana Abraham, was attacked and left with a deep cut on his neck by irate fans of the home team. The violent incident occurred shortly after Orji Kalu of Barau FC scored a 69th-minute equaliser, leveling the game at 1–1. The goal reportedly provoked a section of Katsina United supporters, who invaded the pitch in anger. Confirming the attack, Barau FC posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle: “70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.” A minute earlier, the club had celebrated the equaliser with another post reading: “69’ Goal! Orji Kalu levels the scores. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.” A disturbing image obtained by SaharaReporters showed the injured player bleeding from a visible neck wound as officials and teammates tried to control the chaos. The match, played at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina, was temporarily suspended while security operatives moved in to restore order. As of press time, there was no official statement from the NPFL management or Katsina United regarding the incident. The violent episode has once again highlighted the persistent problem of fan aggression and poor crowd control in Nigerian football stadiums, with growing calls for decisive disciplinary action from league authorities. This comes barely a month after SaharaReporters reported a similar outbreak of violence at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, during a Matchday 8 encounter between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars (3SC) of Ibadan. The match also ended 1–1 after a 94th-minute equaliser by the visitors, triggering a violent reaction from home fans who attacked match officials and players. Following that incident, the NPFL slammed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars, including a ₦9.5 million fine, deduction of three points and three goals, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium. The decision was contained in a notice titled “FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice” dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer. Stakeholders have urged the NPFL to take similar swift action against Katsina United to protect the integrity of the league and ensure the safety of players and officials.
Enraged fans in Kano slit players throat during league match
