Police Arrest Nasarawa United Fan For Allegedly Stabbing Player

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a Nasarawa United fan who allegedly stabbed Plateau United forward Vincent Temitope in the neck after their NPFL match in Lafia on Sunday.

The incident happened after a pitch invasion at the end of the encounter, which ended 3-2 in favour of Nasarawa United.

The spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, DSP Rahman Nansel, confirmed on Monday that the culprit has been arrested.

He said, “The culprit was arrested, and he’s currently in custody for further investigation.”

Temitope scored a goal and missed a penalty for Plateau United in the clash; however, a crisis broke out when a section of the home fans blamed the Plateau United forward for almost turning the game around in favour of his team.

Anas Yusuf gave Nasarawa United the lead in the 22nd minute for his 15th goal of the season before Ugochukwu Leonard made it 2-0 after the restart.

Temitope Vincent reduced the deficit for the visitors in the 58th minute. Leonard scored his second goal of the match to make it 3-1 in the 74th minute.

He failed to convert from the spot in stoppage time, but there was still time for Samuel Pam to make it 3-2 for the visitors.

According to reports, the fans invaded the pitch and overpowered the inadequate security apparatus provided for the match, and one of them stabbed Temitope in the neck.

The Plateau United forward was quickly rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lafia, where he received emergency treatment.

Plateau United media officer Yaksat Maklek also confirmed on Monday that Temitope is in a stable condition.

He said, “He was treated immediately and is responding well. He is stable.”

Nasarawa United are in a battle to avoid relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League as they sit in 14th, one point above the drop zone.

Plateau United, on the other hand, are a place above Nasarawa United on goal difference, with both sides on 42 points.

It would be recalled that the NPFL lifted a stadium ban on Nasarawa United fans last week, which had been imposed due to a previous act of violence.

Last week, Shooting Stars were sanctioned heavily after their fans held the players and the coaching staff of Ikorodu City hostage after a 0-0 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Police Arrest Nasarawa United Fan For Allegedly Stabbing Player is first published on The Whistler Newspaper