The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Katsina United FC following violent scenes during their Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC on Saturday, where supporters invaded the pitch and brutally attacked opposing players and match officials.

In a statement released on Sunday, the league organisers found Katsina United guilty of “breaching the Framework and Rules of #NPFL26” after fans stormed the field, pelting Barau FC players with dangerous objects and disrupting the match.

“Katsina United failed to provide adequate and effective security, resulting in unauthorised persons gaining access to restricted areas,” the NPFL statement read.

The league further indicted the club for failing to control its supporters, leading to harassment and assaults on Barau FC players and officials.

“Supporters of Katsina United threw harmful objects onto the pitch, forcing match officials to halt the game,” the statement added, condemning the behaviour as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.”

As punishment, Katsina United have been banished to Jos and will play all their subsequent home fixtures behind closed doors.

Additionally, the NPFL slammed the club with a ₦9 million fine broken down as follows:

• ₦3 million for throwing objects, failing to control supporters, and bringing the game into disrepute.
• ₦2 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security.
• ₦4 million as compensation for treatment of injuries, damages to Barau FC’s buses, and for holding match officials and the away team hostage for hours after the game.

The league noted that Katsina United have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.

The ruling follows widespread outrage over the assault on Barau FC’s forward, Nana Abraham, who sustained a neck injury after being attacked moments after scoring the equalising goal.

The violence erupted immediately after Barau FC’s Orji Kalu scored in the 69th minute to make it 1–1, sparking anger among sections of the home crowd at the Katsina Township Stadium.

Barau FC confirmed the incident in live updates on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle:

“70’: The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham.
Katsina United | 1–1 | Barau FC
#MaliyaBoysTogetherForVictory #KatBar #NPFL26.”

A minute earlier, the club had celebrated the equaliser:

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

A disturbing photograph obtained by SaharaReporters shows Nana Abraham bleeding from the neck as officials and teammates rushed to restrain enraged fans and restore order.

The NPFL said it would continue to enforce strict disciplinary measures to safeguard players, officials, and fans, warning that any further acts of hooliganism could result in heavier penalties or expulsion from the league.