Blood On The Pitch: Violence Erupts In Katsina As Barau FC Player Attacked After Equaliser

Blood On The Pitch: Violence Erupts In Katsina As Barau FC Player Attacked After Equaliser

By Niyi Busari 

A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match in Katsina descended into chaos on Saturday when Barau FC forward Nana Abraham was reportedly attacked by home fans moments after his team’s equaliser against Katsina United, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The incident occurred in the 69th minute after Orji Kalu scored to bring Barau FC level at 1–1, silencing the home crowd at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Witnesses say that moments later, sections of the stands erupted, and some supporters invaded the sidelines, allegedly targeting Abraham in a violent attack that left the player with a neck injury.

Disturbing images shared on social media appeared to show the forward bleeding and being treated by medical staff as security officers struggled to restore order.

Barau FC confirmed the attack in a statement released on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:

 “Our player, Nana Abraham, was assaulted by home fans after our equaliser.”

The match was temporarily suspended while security personnel and match officials worked to calm the situation. It later resumed under heavy surveillance, though tensions remained high.

Katsina United, however, denied the allegations in a separate statement, insisting that no player was attacked and that the situation had been exaggerated online.

Videos circulating on social media also showed damage to Barau FC’s team bus, including shattered windows, allegedly sustained as the team departed the stadium.

As of press time, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The league body is expected to investigate the matter once full reports from the match officials and security agencies are received.

This latest episode comes just weeks after an attack on Shooting Stars SC players in Kano, which led to sanctions against Kano Pillars, raising renewed concerns about the growing threat of fan violence in Nigerian football.

Observers and stakeholders have once again called for stronger security measures, stricter enforcement of league regulations, and harsher penalties for clubs whose supporters engage in violence.

Until such steps are taken, many warn, player safety on NPFL pitches will remain at serious risk.