Nigerian Premier Football League match in Katsina descended into chaos after Barau FC’s Nana Kwame Abraham was attacked by angry fans following a 69th-minute goal.
A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture between Katsina United and Barau Football Club erupted into violence on Saturday November 9, 2025, when Barau midfielder Nana Abraham was attacked by enraged spectators who invaded the pitch shortly after his team’s equalizer.
The chaotic scenes unfolded at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina moments after Orji Kalu’s Barau struck in the 69th minute to level the score at 1–1. The goal, which appeared to frustrate sections of the home crowd, sparked a pitch invasion that left Abraham with a deep cut to his neck.
Witnesses said the situation quickly deteriorated as a number of Katsina United fans surged toward Barau’s players. Photographs from the scene showed Abraham bleeding heavily while teammates and match officials attempted to shield him from further harm.
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Security personnel rushed onto the field to disperse the attackers, halting the match temporarily as medics treated the injured player. Barau FC confirmed the incident on their official X handle, writing: “70′ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
Despite the violent interruption, play later resumed under heightened security and ended in a 1–1 draw. As of late Saturday, neither Katsina United nor NPFL management had released an official statement regarding the assault or potential disciplinary measures.
The latest outbreak of violence adds to growing concern over crowd control and safety standards in Nigerian football. It comes less than a month after similar unrest in Kano, where fans of Kano Pillars stormed the pitch during a match against Shooting Stars following a stoppage-time equalizer.
That incident led to widespread condemnation and strict sanctions from the NPFL, including a ₦9.5 million fine, a three-point deduction, and an indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium. The disciplinary notice, dated October 13, 2025, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, found Kano Pillars guilty of multiple breaches of the league’s rules and frameworks.
Football authorities and safety advocates have repeatedly urged stricter enforcement of security protocols to protect players, referees, and fans alike. The Katsina incident, however, underscores how violence and poor crowd management continue to threaten the integrity and image of the Nigerian domestic league.
Africa Daily News, New York
