Tension and chaos rocked the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Katsina United and Barau FC, after Barau’s forward, Nana Abraham, was viciously attacked and left with a neck injury moments after scoring the equaliser.
The heated encounter took a violent turn in the 69th minute when Abraham’s goal silenced the home supporters, leveling the scoreline at 1–1.
According to eyewitnesses, some enraged Katsina United fans invaded the pitch in protest, targeting Barau FC players in a shocking display of hooliganism.
Reports indicate that Nana Abraham sustained a deep cut on his neck, allegedly caused by a sharp object during the attack.
The match was immediately halted as security operatives and medical officials rushed in to restore order and provide first aid to the injured player.
Barau FC later confirmed the incident on their official X handle, sharing photos of players who sustained various injuries in the assault.
After nearly 20 minutes of disruption, play resumed under heightened security and ended 1–1, though tension remained high until the final whistle.
Barau FC players were subsequently escorted off the pitch by armed security personnel.
This disturbing incident adds to the growing list of fan violence plaguing Nigerian football, reigniting debates over stadium security, club accountability, and the urgent need for stricter sanctions against teams whose supporters endanger players and officials.
As of press time, Nana Abraham is said to be receiving medical treatment, while investigations into the attack are ongoing.
