Nigerian football was rocked by violence on Sunday as Plateau United midfielder, Vincent Temitope, was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the neck by an enraged fan following his team’s 3-2 away victory over Nasarawa United in an NPFL match held in Lafia.
The shocking incident occurred shortly after the final whistle, as tensions flared among home supporters who were visibly angered by their team’s loss.
According to eyewitness accounts, Temitope was attacked while heading off the pitch, with one fan breaching security to stab him in the neck.
Medical officials responded swiftly, administering first aid before the player was transported to a nearby hospital. As of Monday morning, sources within Plateau United confirmed that Temitope was in stable condition and receiving medical attention.
“We are devastated by what happened,” said a club official who asked not to be named. “Football should never cost a player his life or safety. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has yet to issue an official statement, but league sources say a full investigation is underway.
The Lafia stadium has been a subject of previous crowd control concerns, and Sunday’s attack is expected to trigger renewed scrutiny over security protocols at NPFL venues.
Calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures and harsher penalties for violence at football grounds have intensified in the wake of the incident. Fans, players, and officials have taken to social media to express shock and solidarity with Temitope.
As the league investigates, both Plateau United and Nasarawa United are expected to cooperate with authorities.