Chaos erupted at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday as Plateau United’s striker, Vincent Temitope, was stabbed by a supporter.
Although the match ended in a 3-2 defeat to Nasarawa United, the real drama unfolded afterwards.
Temitope, who was on the scoresheet, had been approached by a group of fans seemingly asking for photos. However, as they drew closer, one of them suddenly launched an attack on the player.
In a statement, Yaksat Maklek, Plateau United’s media director, revealed the disturbing turn of events to TheCable. “After the game, a couple of fans went close to him pretending they wanted to take some snapshots and one of them struck him in the neck.”
Although the motive remains unclear, the attack appeared deliberate and shocking. Witnesses claimed the weapon used was a knife.
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“They say he actually held a knife and struck him in the neck. You would imagine how worst it would have been if he did [the player] did not escape that particular attack.”
As panic spread, quick-thinking teammates and officials rushed Temitope to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia. Thankfully, he survived and is now in stable condition.
Because of this, Plateau United have taken swift action by gathering evidence and preparing to report the case to the league body. The club believes firm action must follow.
Meanwhile, this terrifying incident has again raised questions about fan behaviour and stadium security in Nigerian football.
Temitope, who joined the Jos-based side last season, has grown into one of their key attacking options. In fact, his recent form earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles B training camp for the CHAN tournament later this year.
Despite the scare, the football community has rallied behind the player with messages of support pouring in. While many wish him a speedy recovery, others are calling for strict punishment for the assailant.
Tags: Plateau United, Vincent Temitope, stabbed by fan, NPFL, Lafia City Stadium, Lafia, Super Eagles B, CHAN tournament, Nigeria Premier Football League, Nasarawa United, Yaksat Maklek.
