By Abasi Ita
A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match in Katsina turned chaotic on Saturday after Nana Abraham, a Barau FC player, was reportedly attacked by a pitch invader shortly after scoring an equaliser.
The incident occurred during Barau FC’s 1–1 draw against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The match was in the 69th minute when the invader allegedly ran onto the pitch and struck Abraham around the neck with a sharp object.
Confirming the development, Ahmad Gwale, Media Director of Barau FC, said the assailant appeared to have emerged from the Katsina United bench or the stands.
“It happened immediately after our equaliser. Someone invaded the pitch and attacked our player with what looked like a sharp object,” he said.
Images widely circulated online show Abraham lying on the turf bleeding and receiving urgent attention as players and officials rushed to the scene.
The match was halted briefly before play resumed, with the injured player substituted and taken for treatment.
The club has confirmed that Abraham is currently receiving medical care.
Saturday’s incident adds to a growing concern about fan violence in Nigerian football. It comes months after Plateau United striker, Vincent Temitope, was similarly assaulted by a fan during a league match in Lafia.
Stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger security measures and stricter sanctions to curb violence at league venues.