Copyright ghanamma
Barau FC midfielder Nana Kwame Abraham is the young footballer at the centre of Saturday’s shocking fan attack in Katsina. This incident has once again raised questions about crowd control and player safety in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). The 22-year-old suffered a deep cut to his neck after being assaulted by sections of Katsina United supporters during his team’s Week 12 clash on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The violence broke out moments after Barau FC equalised through Orji Kalu’s 69th-minute goal, which angered sections of the home crowd. Barau FC confirmed the incident on X, posting an image of their wounded player and writing: “70′ The match is temporarily halted following an attack on Barau FC player, Nana Abraham. Katsina United | 1–1 | Barau FC.” Fate of Ghanaian footballer unknown after throat slashed during Nigerian league match Despite the attack, the game eventually resumed and ended 1–1, but the scenes have drawn widespread condemnation across Nigerian football circles. A rising midfield talent Born on September 9, 2003, Nana Kwame Abraham holds Nigerien citizenship, though he was born to a Ghanaian father and a Nigerien mother. A technically gifted central midfielder, he joined Barau FC from AS GNN in Niger ahead of the 2025/26 NPFL season. In his first 12 league appearances this term, Nana Kwame has started six, come on as a substitute once, and been on the bench twice, an indication that he has quickly earned the trust of his coaches. Known for his calm passing and work rate, he has been a steady presence in Barau’s midfield, helping the newly-promoted side hold their own in the top flight. Shock and recovery According to reports, the midfielder is recovering after receiving prompt medical attention. Though the wound was deep, he is in stable condition. Speaking to the club’s media department on Sunday morning, Nana Abraham shared his relief and dismay over the attack: “Thank God I am feeling better right now. Actually, our medical team did their best in treating my injuries.” Reflecting on the shocking incident, he added: “It’s unfortunate what happened. Football is not a war — you can either win, draw, or lose. We’ve played five home games, won one, drawn three, and lost one, nothing happened. So why should we be attacked here?” The NPFL authorities are expected to open an investigation into the incident, with pressure mounting for tougher sanctions on clubs whose fans resort to violence Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Godwin Sackey in the post below
