The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has come down hard on Katsina United, slapping the club with a 9 million naira fine and a home stadium ban following violent scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday.
In what league officials described as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute,” fans reportedly invaded restricted areas, threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, and left at least one Barau FC player injured. The NPFL said the club failed to provide adequate security and did not control its supporters, a breach of the league’s Framework and Rules.
Under the sanctions, Katsina United will play the rest of their home games behind closed doors at the New Jos Stadium, while also paying 4 million naira in compensation for medical costs, damage to Barau FC’s team bus, and the alleged harassment of players and match officials, while the remaining 5 million naira covers fines for misconduct, poor crowd control, and reputational damage to the league.
The decision follows disturbing reports and viral photos showing Barau FC midfielder Nana Abraham bleeding from the neck after being attacked by fans shortly after his team equalised in the 69th minute. Chaos erupted inside the stadium as officials rushed to restore order before play eventually resumed.
However, Katsina United swiftly denied the allegations, calling them “entirely baseless.” Club media director Nasir Gide said no supporter entered the pitch and insisted that security was “adequate throughout the match.” The club claims the reports are a “deliberate attempt to tarnish its image.”
Still, with the NPFL verdict now public, the pressure is on Katsina United, not just to appeal within the 48-hour window, but to repair both its reputation and relationship with a league increasingly intolerant of fan violence.
In a season already defined by renewed focus on professionalism and crowd control, the NPFL’s ruling sends a clear message: football violence will no longer be tolerated, on or off the pitch.
