Confusion has surrounded reports that Barau FC player, Nana Abraham, was allegedly stabbed during a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Katsina United on Saturday at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
According to Barau FC, Abraham was attacked shortly after scoring the equaliser in the 69th minute of the match, which eventually ended 1-1. The club’s media director, Ahmad Gwale, said a pitch invader struck the player on the neck with what appeared to be a sharp object, forcing the game to be temporarily stopped.
Images circulating on social media show Abraham bleeding from the neck as teammates and medical officials rushed to his aid. Gwale confirmed that the player was substituted and is now receiving medical treatment.
He added that the incident caused tension inside the stadium, though the match later continued under tight security. Barau FC also confirmed the attack in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
However, Katsina United denied the allegation, insisting that no player was attacked during the game. In a statement, the club said the reports “do not reflect what truly happened,” adding that the tension in the stadium was caused by disputed refereeing decisions, not violence.
“Katsina United remains committed to professionalism, discipline, and fair play both on and off the field,” the club said, accusing Barau FC of spreading a false story. It also said it would allow the League Management Body to investigate the matter.
The incident adds to a growing list of violent episodes in the NPFL. Last month, fans of Kano Pillars attacked players and officials after a late equaliser by Shooting Stars (3SC) at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The NPFL fined Kano Pillars N9.5 million, deducted three points and three goals, and closed the stadium indefinitely.
Earlier, Plateau United striker Vincent Temitope was also stabbed in the neck by an angry fan at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa.
