Katsina United Fans Slit Player’s Throat For Equalising Goal In NPFL Match

Tension erupted on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash between Katsina United and Barau Football Club, after a Barau player, Nana Abraham, was brutally attacked by enraged home fans following an equalising goal.

According to reports, violence broke out moments after Barau’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute goal to level the game at 1-1 — a development that appeared to infuriate some Katsina United supporters inside the stadium.

Barau FC confirmed the attack on its official X (Twitter) handle, writing:

> “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 moments earlier, the club had celebrated their equaliser with another post:

> “69’ Goal! Orji Kalu levels the scores.

Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”

A disturbing photo obtained by SaharaReporters showed Nana Abraham bleeding from a deep cut on his neck, as teammates and officials struggled to calm the situation on the pitch.

The match, played in Katsina, was briefly halted as security operatives intervened to restore order amid rising chaos. At the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the NPFL management or Katsina United.

The incident has reignited concerns over fan violence and poor security management in Nigerian football stadiums, with calls mounting for swift disciplinary action against those responsible.

This latest attack comes barely a month after a similar violent outbreak in Kano, where Kano Pillars fans invaded the pitch following a late equaliser by Shooting Stars (3SC) during a Matchday 8 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium. That chaos led to assaults on match officials and visiting players, forcing security operatives to fire teargas to disperse the crowd.

In response, the NPFL slammed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars, including a ₦9.5 million fine, deduction of 3 points and 3 goals, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The disciplinary decision, detailed in a document titled “FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice” and signed by Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, found the club guilty of multiple violations of league rules.

Football lovers and analysts are now urging the league authorities to take decisive action to curb fan violence before it further tarnishes the image of the Nigeria Premier Football League.