By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Plateau
Tension gripped the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) community on Sunday after a Plateau United striker, Vincent Temitope, was reportedly stabbed by an enraged fan following his team’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Nasarawa United in Lafia.
The shocking incident occurred shortly after the matchday 33 encounter, during which Vincent both scored a goal and missed a crucial penalty in stoppage time. A disturbing video circulating on social media showed the footballer receiving medical attention for a deep cut around his neck, allegedly inflicted by a Nasarawa United supporter.
Broadcast journalist Rhairom Zamora, of Jay FM Jos, was among the first to share the footage on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the act. “Disturbing scenes after the match in Lafia. Vincent Temitope was reportedly injured by Nasarawa United fans. Absolutely unacceptable. Player safety must be a priority,” she wrote.
In another post, Zamora referenced an eyewitness account given in Hausa, alleging that some fans had attempted to kill the player with a knife.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the NPFL management nor the two clubs involved had issued any official statement regarding the attack.
The incident has sparked outrage among football lovers across the country, with many calling on the league authorities and security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This is a disgrace to our football,” said Emmanuel Chukwu, a football analyst based in Abuja. “It’s one thing to be disappointed about a match result, but attacking a player with a weapon is criminal and must not go unpunished.”
The heated encounter had seen Nasarawa United go 2-0 up through goals from league top scorer Anas Yusuf and Ugochukwu Leonard before Vincent pulled one back for Plateau in the 58th minute. Leonard later completed a brace to give the hosts a 3-1 lead, but Samuel Pam’s late strike brought the visitors within touching distance again.
With five games left in the season, Plateau United and Nasarawa United are tied on 42 points, although Plateau sit a spot higher in 13th place due to superior goal difference.
The NPFL has long battled with crowd control and stadium violence, but this latest episode has reignited concerns over the safety of players and officials. Many are now demanding stricter sanctions and better security at match venues across the country.