The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Katsina United Football Club following a violent attack by the club’s supporters during their Matchday 12 clash against Barau FC on Saturday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NPFL said Katsina United were found guilty of “breaching the Framework & Rules of #NPFL26” after fans invaded the pitch and assaulted Barau FC players and match officials.
According to the league organisers, the club “failed to provide adequate & effective security resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas” and also “failed to ensure proper conduct of their supporters leading to the harassment of Barau FC players & match officials.”
The violence erupted shortly after Barau FC’s Orji Kalu scored a 69th-minute equaliser to make it 1-1, sparking outrage among some home fans. The situation escalated quickly as “supporters of Katsina Utd threw harmful objects onto the pitch,” forcing the match officials to suspend play.
Several Barau FC players sustained injuries, including Nana Abraham, who was reportedly attacked and left with a neck wound moments after scoring. A photo obtained by SaharaReporters showed Abraham bleeding as teammates and officials struggled to restore order.
The NPFL condemned the attack, describing it as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.” As punishment, the league announced that Katsina United will now play all their home matches in Jos “and behind closed doors.”
In addition, the club has been fined a total of ₦9 million broken down as follows:
- ₦3 million for “throwing objects towards the pitch, failing to ensure proper conduct of their supporters & bringing the game into disrepute.”
- ₦2 million for “failing to provide adequate & effective security.”
- ₦4 million “as compensation for treatment of injuries, damages to the away team’s buses, and for holding the match officials & away team hostage for hours after the match.”
The NPFL further stated that “Katsina Utd have 48 hours within the date of the notice to appeal the sanctions.”
Barau FC confirmed the attack 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
#MaliyaBoysTogetherForVictory #KatBar #NPFL26.”
The post came just a minute after the club celebrated the equalising goal with another update that read:
“69’ Goal Orji Kalu level the scores.
Katsina United | 1-1 | Barau FC.”
The NPFL’s decision follows growing outrage from fans and stakeholders who have demanded stricter enforcement of security and disciplinary measures to protect players and officials in the Nigerian football league.
