A Nigeria Premier Football League match between Katsina United and Barau FC was temporarily halted after Barau player Nana Abraham was attacked by home fans following a 69th-minute equalizer.
Tension erupted on Saturday during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter between Katsina United and Barau Football Club after Barau player Nana Abraham was attacked by home fans, leaving him with a deep neck wound, according to SaharaReporters reporting. The violence occurred moments after Barau’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser to level the match 1-1.
Barau FC confirmed the incident in a post on 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 #MaliyaBoysTogetherForVictory #KatBar #NPFL26.” A photo obtained by SaharaReporters showed Abraham bleeding while officials and teammates tried to control the chaos.
Security operatives intervened, temporarily halting the match. There was no immediate statement from Katsina United or the NPFL management.
This incident follows similar violence last month at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, where Shooting Stars players and officials were attacked after a late equaliser against Kano Pillars, leading the NPFL to fine the club ₦9.5 million, deduct three points, and indefinitely close the stadium.
The attack has reignited calls for stricter security measures and disciplinary action to prevent fan violence in Nigerian football.