Chaos erupted on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Katsina United and Barau FC after visiting midfielder Nana Abraham was attacked by angry home fans who cut his throat after an equalizer was scored.
The incident occurred at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium moments after Barau’s Orji Kalu netted a 69th-minute equaliser, drawing the game 1–1.
The goal appeared to anger sections of the Katsina supporters, who invaded the pitch in protest.
According to posts on Barau FC’s official X handle, the encounter was immediately stopped following the assault. One update read:
“70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
A disturbing photograph seen by Dockaysworld showed Abraham bleeding heavily from a gash on his neck as teammates and match officials rushed to his aid.
Security personnel eventually intervened to restore calm, and the match was suspended for several minutes.
Neither Katsina United nor the NPFL management had issued an official statement as of press time.
This latest outbreak of violence comes barely a month after a similar incident in Kano, when supporters of Kano Pillars stormed the pitch following a last-minute equaliser by Shooting Stars.
That attack earned Pillars a ₦9.5 million fine, a three-point deduction, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium.
With Nana Abraham now receiving medical treatment, football stakeholders are once again calling on the NPFL to take decisive action to prevent further tragedies on Nigerian pitches.
