Katsina United fan attacks rival player, slits his throat during NPFL match

A shocking scene unfolded during a Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Saturday after a Katsina United supporter reportedly slit the throat of an opposing player, Nana Abraham of Barau FC, moments after his team drew level in the tense encounter.

Barau FC said the brutal incident occurred in the 70th minute, shortly after Barau FC equalised to make the scoreline 1–1.

The violent act threw the stadium into chaos as both players and fans struggled to comprehend what had just transpired.

Barau FC confirmed the incident in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, describing it as a “disturbing act of hooliganism that has no place in football.”

The club revealed that Abraham was immediately substituted for Hilary Ekawu in the 71st minute after receiving urgent medical attention on the sidelines.

Despite the shocking attack, the match was allowed to continue until full-time, ending in a 1–1 draw, a decision that has sparked widespread outrage among football enthusiasts and Nigerians online.

“Allowing the game to go on after such a traumatic event was both reckless and insensitive,” one X user wrote, calling for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and NPFL management to sanction Katsina United and investigate the match officials for negligence.

Another fan added, “Football should unite us, not become a ground for violence. This is a dark day for Nigerian football.”

Meanwhile, Barau FC fans expressed disappointment in their team for not abandoning the match in protest.

Many argued that continuing the game undermined the seriousness of the assault on their player.

As of press time, neither the NPFL board nor Katsina United has issued an official statement addressing the attack or potential disciplinary action.

Calls are growing louder for strict penalties against both the club and the assailant to deter future acts of violence in Nigerian football.

The disturbing incident has reignited discussions about crowd control, player safety, and the urgent need for enhanced security measures during league matches nationwide.