A tragic incident unfolded in the Nigerian league during the match between Plateau United and Nasarawa United.
After the final whistle, fans of Nasarawa United stormed the pitch and attacked Vincent Temitope, a player from the visiting Plateau United team.
Reports suggest the violent reaction was triggered by Temitope’s impressive performance during the game. Although the match had already ended, some fans, allegedly angered by his threatening display on the pitch, singled him out and stabbed him in the neck.
The attack occurred despite recent NPFL approval allowing supporters back into the Lafia Township Stadium under tight security conditions.
Temitope was rushed to the hospital and is currently in stable condition, but the incident has once again raised serious concerns about fan violence and stadium safety in Nigerian football.
Fan Ban Had Just Been Lifted Amid Security Promises
Plateau United’s Media Officer, Yaksat Maklek, confirmed the details of the attack, stating that Temitope was specifically targeted due to his standout performance.
The disturbing event took place barely a week after the NPFL granted Nasarawa United permission to welcome back fans to the Lafia Township Stadium. The stadium had previously been closed to supporters earlier in the season due to previous misconduct.
From matchday 12 onward, fans were allowed back under strict security measures. Nasarawa United’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, had made a public appeal for fans to support their team in a disciplined manner and respect all safety protocols.
However, the events on Sunday suggest that existing security measures remain inadequate, triggering renewed public and institutional concern.
Football Authorities Under Fire as Reactions Pour In
The Plateau United club issued a strong official statement condemning the attack and holding both the NPFL and Nasarawa United management accountable for their failure to ensure proper safety measures.
“The safety of our players must be the highest priority. There can be no tolerance for such brutal behavior,” the club spokesperson declared.
So far, neither the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) nor the NPFL board has released an official statement in response.
In the aftermath, several football analysts have called for reforms such as biometric entry systems, verified fan identification, professional security personnel, advanced scanning equipment for weapons, and a strict zero-tolerance policy for violence inside stadiums.
Players’ Union Condemns Attack and Demands Action
The Nigerian Professional Footballers Association (NPAN) also issued a strong reaction, calling the attack completely unacceptable and urging the NPFL to act swiftly.
The union’s president emphasized that players should never have to fear for their lives while performing their duties, and called on clubs and the league to guarantee the safety of all players.
Although Temitope has recovered physically, experts warn that the psychological effects of such trauma could be long-lasting.