- NPFL match in Katsina turns violent after Barau FC equalises late in the game.
- Barau’s player, Nana Abraham, suffers neck injury after alleged attack by home fans.
- Match halted as security struggles to control chaotic scene inside Katsina stadium.
- Incident renews concerns over NPFL fan violence and poor stadium security in Nigeria.
An NPFL match in Katsina descended into chaos when Barau FC player Nana Abraham was violently attacked and left with a deep cut on his neck shortly after scoring an equalising goal against Katsina United, raising fresh concerns about fan violence and security lapses in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
Barau FC had just levelled the score 1–1 in the 69th minute when the stadium atmosphere shifted dramatically. Orji Kalu’s goal, which should have sparked excitement for a competitive game, instead triggered aggression among a section of home supporters who stormed toward the pitch.
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Moments later, Barau’s winger Nana Abraham was attacked, leaving him bleeding from the neck. Images captured at the scene show the player being assisted by club officials and concerned teammates as confusion spread around the pitch.
In a post on its official X handle, Barau FC announced that the match had been stopped temporarily due to the attack, describing the moment as disturbing and unacceptable.
Security operatives rushed to the pitch to restore order, and the game paused while they tried to calm the crowd. Katsina United and NPFL officials had yet to release a statement at the time of filing this report.
This violent incident adds to growing fears that the NPFL is struggling to curb stadium violence. Just last month, another league game in Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium erupted into chaos after Shooting Stars scored a late equaliser. Furious fans invaded the pitch, assaulted officials, and forced security to fire teargas to disperse them.
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In response, the NPFL imposed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars, fines totalling ₦9.5 million, a deduction of 3 points and 3 goals, and an indefinite stadium closure.
Stakeholders and fans are now demanding strict punishments for the Katsina incident, insisting that the league must take decisive action to protect players, officials, and the credibility of Nigerian football.
