Chaos erupted on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Katsina United and Barau Football Club after Barau player Nana Abraham was attacked by home fans, sustaining a deep cut to his neck.
The incident occurred moments after Barau’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser to level the game 1-1, a goal that appeared to anger some Katsina United supporters.
Barau FC confirmed the attack on its official X handle, “70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC #MaliyaBoysTogetherForVictory #KatBar #NPFL26.”
Just a minute earlier, the club had celebrated the equaliser, “69’ Goal Orji Kalu levels the scores. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
A disturbing image obtained by SaharaReporters shows Abraham bleeding from a visible neck wound as officials and teammates struggled to control the chaos.
The match, held in Katsina, was briefly halted as security personnel battled to restore order. There was no immediate response from NPFL management or Katsina United at the time of reporting.
READ ALSO: I’m Not Impressed by Your Performance—Tinubu Tells Super Eagles
The attack has reignited concerns over fan violence and inadequate stadium security in Nigerian football, prompting calls for urgent disciplinary measures against both the perpetrators and the club.
This incident comes just a month after a similar episode at Kano’s Sani Abacha Stadium.
In that case, Shooting Stars (3SC) of Ibadan scored a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser against Kano Pillars, triggering a violent pitch invasion by furious home supporters who assaulted referees, match officials, and players. Security operatives had to fire teargas to restore order.
Following the Kano incident, NPFL handed Kano Pillars heavy sanctions, including a ₦9.5 million fine, deduction of three points and three goals, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The decision, documented in FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13, 2025, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, found the club guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
