A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Barau FC and Katsina United was marred by violence on Saturday after Barau FC’s player, Nana Abraham, was allegedly stabbed in the neck by a pitch invader.
The incident occurred at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina during the sides’ 1–1 draw.
Speaking with TheCable, Barau FC’s Director of Media Operations, Ahmad Gwale, said the attack took place shortly after Barau FC equalised in the 69th minute.
“One person from the Katsina United bench or one of their fans invaded the pitch and struck Abraham on the neck,” Gwale alleged.
“The person was holding something like a sharp object,” he added.
Images circulating on social media show Abraham lying on the pitch in visible pain, with blood stains around his neck as teammates and medics rushed to his aid.
The match was temporarily halted following the assault but later resumed after security personnel restored order.
Abraham was substituted and taken for medical attention.
Gwale confirmed that the injured player is receiving treatment and that the club is monitoring his recovery.
“He is stable now and under observation. We thank God it wasn’t fatal,” Gwale said.
Saturday’s attack has reignited debate over player safety and stadium security in Nigerian football.
The violent episode mirrored a similar incident earlier this year, when Plateau United striker Vincent Temitope was stabbed in the neck by an angry fan at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa.
Barau FC has urged the NPFL and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to launch an investigation and ensure that perpetrators of violence face appropriate sanctions.
“This kind of behaviour must not be tolerated. We want justice for our player and protection for all footballers,” the club said in a statement.
As of press time, Katsina United and NPFL officials have not issued an official comment on the incident.
