A Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Katsina United and Barau FC was marred by violence on Saturday following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham.
The incident occurred in the 70th minute of the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, shortly after Barau FC equalised through Orji Kalu in the 69th minute.
Barau FC confirmed the attack via its official X handle, stating: “70′ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United 1-1 Barau FC.”
Images from the scene showed Abraham bleeding from a neck wound as officials and teammates rushed to his aid. The match was briefly halted while security operatives intervened to restore order.
The game later resumed and ended 1–1 after regulation time.
Saturday’s incident comes barely a month after a similar episode at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, where fans of Kano Pillars stormed the pitch following a late equaliser by Shooting Stars (3SC) of Ibadan.
The violence in Kano led to physical assaults on match officials and players, prompting security forces to fire teargas to disperse the crowd.
In response, the NPFL imposed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars, including a ₦9.5 million fine, a three-point deduction, a three-goal deduction, and the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The NPFL is yet to issue an official statement regarding the Katsina incident.
