A disturbing incident of fan violence marred the Nigerian Premier Football League match between Nasarawa United and Plateau United at the Lafia Township Stadium.
Plateau United player Vincent Temitope was stabbed in the neck by Nasarawa United fans after the match, which ended 3-2 in favor of Plateau United.
The incident occurred due to inadequate security at the stadium, with fewer than 20 police officers deployed to oversee a stadium filled with thousands of football fans.
Sources said that the stadium had inadequate security, with the eyewitness stating, “I have to say this, the total number of policemen deployed to the stadium for the match is not more than 20. Just imagine that. How can they monitor thousands of fans? It is not possible.”
Temitope’s stellar performance, scoring a goal and gaining a penalty, angered a section of the Nasarawa supporters who felt he had threatened their team.
The player’s condition is now stable after receiving emergency treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, with Plateau United’s Director of Media Operations stating, “He was taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lafia where he was treated immediately and now he is fine. He is in stable condition.”
The Nasarawa State Police Command has promised to investigate the matter.
This incident highlights the need for improved security measures and fan discipline in Nigerian football, especially after the NPFL Board had recently lifted a ban on Nasarawa United FC supporters following similar acts of misconduct earlier in the season.
