Tragedy struck Nigerian football over the weekend as a fan of Nasarawa United allegedly stabbed Plateau United player, Vincent Temitope, during a violent pitch invasion at the Lafia Township Stadium. The shocking incident occurred moments after the final whistle, plunging the stadium into chaos.
Confirming the development, DSP Rahman Nansel, spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, revealed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody as investigations continue.
The match, already charged with tension, descended into violence when a crowd of Nasarawa United supporters stormed the pitch. Plateau United officials scrambled to escort their players off the field, but in the ensuing confusion, Temitope was attacked and stabbed in the neck.
He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he received emergency care. Plateau United’s Director of Media Operations, Yaksat Maklek, has since confirmed that Temitope is in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
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This disturbing act has reignited national concern over the growing trend of violence at Nigerian football stadiums, as stakeholders question the effectiveness of current security measures. The attack also raises serious questions about the decision to lift a stadium ban on Nasarawa United fans, which had only recently been implemented due to previous incidents of violence.
Before the match, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) had lifted the ban with the expectation of improved crowd behavior. In a statement, Nasarawa United’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, cited a letter from NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi urging fans to maintain order and support their team peacefully.
The club had also pledged to work closely with the state football association to ensure adequate security at match venues. However, this latest incident now casts a shadow over those assurances, and calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols are growing louder across the football community.
