Chaos in Katsina as Barau FC Player Attacked After Equaliser Against Katsina United

Posted : 09 November 2025

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 clash between Katsina United FC and Barau FC on Saturday descended into chaos following allegations of crowd violence at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

According to multiple reports, trouble erupted moments after Barau FC’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser to make it 1-1, an event that appeared to anger sections of the home supporters.

The tension escalated when Barau FC player Nana Abraham was allegedly attacked and left with a deep cut on his neck by enraged Katsina United fans.

Barau FC confirmed the incident on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:

“70’ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham.
Katsina United | 1–1 | Barau FC.”

Just moments earlier, the club had posted:

“69’ Goal! Orji Kalu levels the scores.
Katsina United | 1–1 | Barau FC.”

The match was halted temporarily as security operatives moved swiftly to restore order and ensure the safety of players and officials.

The attack has reignited widespread concern over fan violence and poor security management in Nigerian football stadiums, with growing calls for the NPFL and NFF to enforce stricter disciplinary measures against offenders and clubs that fail to maintain order.

This latest episode comes barely a month after a similar violent incident at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano during Kano Pillars’ Matchday 8 fixture against Shooting Stars SC (3SC).

In that match, chaos broke out after 3SC grabbed a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser to seal a 1–1 draw. Enraged home fans invaded the pitch, attacking referees, officials, and Shooting Stars players, forcing security personnel to fire teargas to disperse the crowd.

Following the incident, the NPFL imposed heavy sanctions on Kano Pillars FC, including a ₦9.5 million fine, three-point and three-goal deduction, and the indefinite closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The penalties were detailed in an official document titled “FORM 16: Summary Jurisdiction Notice”, dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer. The league body found the Kano-based club guilty of multiple breaches of its Framework and Rules, including failure to provide adequate security.

With the Katsina incident now under review, stakeholders are calling for swift and decisive action to protect players and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s domestic football scene.

Chaos in Katsina as Barau FC Player Attacked After Equaliser Against Katsina United

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