A Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) match in Katsina turned violent on Saturday after enraged fans of Katsina United allegedly slit the throat of Barau FC player, Nana Abraham, following an equalising goal.
The shocking incident occurred during the tense fixture between Katsina United and Barau FC when Barau’s forward, Orji Kalu, netted a 69th-minute equaliser to make the score 1-1. What should have been a moment of celebration quickly descended into chaos as furious home supporters stormed the pitch, attacking players and officials.
Witnesses say Abraham, who was near the touchline when the violence broke out, was grabbed and slashed on the neck by an angry fan. Video clips circulating online show the midfielder bleeding heavily while teammates and security personnel struggled to shield him from further assault.
Barau FC, confirming the incident through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), described the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable.” The statement added that Abraham was receiving emergency medical care after being rushed from the scene with a deep cut to his throat.
The game, held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, was briefly suspended as security operatives battled to restore order. Players were escorted off the pitch while riot police dispersed the violent crowd.
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League officials have yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the NPFL management board confirmed that an investigation is underway. There are growing calls for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the league authorities to sanction Katsina United and tighten stadium security to prevent further tragedies.
This latest act of violence has renewed concerns over crowd control and fan behavior in Nigerian football. Analysts say repeated incidents of hooliganism threaten not only the safety of players and officials but also the reputation of the NPFL as it struggles to rebuild public trust.
As of press time, Barau FC confirmed that Abraham remains in stable condition under medical supervision. The club condemned the attack and urged the league to ensure justice is served, warning that “such lawlessness has no place in football.”
