The President of Barau FC, Shawwal Barau I Jibrin, has denied reports that a player was killed during the Nigeria Premier Football League match against Katsina United on Saturday. In a statement issued on Monday, Alhaji Jibrin also refuted claims that a Barau FC player had his throat slit by Katsina United fans.
The match, held at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, turned violent when supporters of the home team attacked Barau FC players and fans. Nine people were injured: a player, a technical consultant, a curator, and six supporters. One of the injured players, Ghanaian Nana Abraham, suffered a deep cut on his neck, but Alhaji Jibrin confirmed that Abraham has been discharged from a private hospital in Kano.
Describing the news of the alleged death as a “welcome development,” the president urged club supporters and football enthusiasts to remain calm, emphasizing that football should promote unity rather than spark trouble. He praised the sanctions imposed by the Nigeria Premier League on Katsina United, stating that such measures will deter future incidents.
Jibrin expressed gratitude that all injured persons, including Abraham, have been discharged, and he called the reports of a player’s death and a throat‑slashing “false and misleading.” The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about fan violence in Nigerian football, a problem the league has faced criticism for handling inadequately in the past. The recent sanctions against Katsina United may be seen as a step toward addressing this issue.
As the league continues to grapple with fan violence, the emphasis on promoting unity and sportsmanship remains crucial. The discharge of Nana Abraham and the other injured parties is a positive development, and the football community will be watching how the league and clubs respond. With sanctions now in place, the focus shifts to preventing recurrence and ensuring that Nigerian football can grow in a safe, respectful environment.
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