Katsina United fans attack Barau FC player
A disturbing incident occurred during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Katsina United and Barau FC held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, where home-fans allegedly attacked a visiting player after his team scored an equaliser. The away side’s player, Nana Abraham of Barau FC, reportedly suffered a deep neck cut when angry supporters stormed the pitch immediately after his side’s goal.
The violence unfolded shortly after Barau FC’s Orji Kalu netted a 69th-minute equaliser that brought the score to 1-1, an event which appeared to inflame sections of the Katsina United crowd. According to multiple reports, fans invaded the field around the 70th minute and one of them struck Nana Abraham in the neck with a sharp object. A statement by Barau FC confirmed the attack and the temporary halt of the match.
Images circulated online show the player bleeding and receiving urgent attention from teammates and officials while security personnel intervened to restore order. Neither Katsina United nor the NPFL had, at the time of reporting, provided a full official response.
The incident has reignited concerns about fan violence, inadequate stadium security and player safety in Nigerian top-flight football. Analysts and media outlets are calling for swift and strong disciplinary action to deter such extreme aggression at football matches.
