Katsina United Fan Attacks Barau FC Player After Equaliser

A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Katsina United and Barau FC turned violent on Saturday after a fan reportedly slit the throat of Barau FC’s midfielder, Nana Abraham, shortly after his team equalised, Soccernet.ng reports.

The incident happened at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. The home team had taken a 1-0 lead in the first half before Barau’s Orji Kalu levelled the score in the 69th minute. Moments later, chaos broke out when a Katsina United supporter, identified by witnesses as a “Changi Boys” fan, allegedly invaded the pitch and attacked Abraham, leaving him with a deep cut on his neck.

Barau FC confirmed the assault on their official X (formerly Twitter) page, posting: “70′ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.” Photos later surfaced online showing Abraham’s blood-stained neck as he received emergency treatment.

The match resumed after a short delay, with midfielder Hillary Ekawu replacing Abraham in the 71st minute. It ended 1-1 despite the shocking violence that had unfolded moments earlier.

Fans and football stakeholders have condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric” and demanding that the NPFL board and security agencies take immediate action. Many have also questioned the safety measures in place at NPFL venues.

As of press time, neither Katsina United nor the league management had issued an official statement, and the current condition of Nana Abraham remains uncertain.