Plateau United striker Vincent Temitope was reportedly attacked with a knife by a fan after their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Nasarawa United on Sunday.

The distressing event unfolded at the Lafia City Stadium moments after the final whistle blew, signalling a 3-2 victory for the home side, Nasarawa United. 

According to Plateau United media unit, an irate supporter allegedly stabbed Temitope, one of their key forwards who had even scored a goal in the encounter, in the neck.

Yaksat Maklek, the Director of Media Operations for Plateau United, detailed the frightening sequence of events. He explained that a group of fans approached Temitope under the guise of wanting to take photographs with him.

“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,” Maklek revealed.

“They say he held a knife and struck him in the neck. You would imagine how worse it would have been if he [the player] did not escape that particular attack.”

The incident has been widely condemned as deeply regrettable and has ignited serious concerns regarding player safety and the behaviour of some supporters at football grounds across the nation. 

Many within the football community insist that such acts are utterly unacceptable, regardless of the outcome of a match.

Mr Maklek further disclosed that Vincent Temitope was immediately rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia for urgent medical attention. He confirmed that the player received prompt care and has since been stabilised.

“The good news is that Vincent is in a safe condition now and is recovering well,” Maklek stated, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the widespread concern.

Plateau United has reportedly taken swift action by gathering all available evidence related to the attack. 

Mr Maklek indicated that this documentation and proof will be formally presented to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) management for a thorough investigation. 

The club has expressed its expectation that the league body will impose appropriate disciplinary measures on any individuals found culpable in the assault.

The incident has amplified calls from stakeholders for the NPFL to enforce stricter stadium security protocols. Many believe that enhanced security measures are crucial to safeguarding players and fostering a more secure environment for both athletes and fans attending matches.

This unfortunate attack comes at a particularly significant juncture in Vincent Temitope’s career. Having joined Plateau United last year, his promising performances recently earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles B training squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

The assault has therefore cast a shadow over what was a period of considerable progress for the young striker.

The football fraternity now awaits the NPFL’s response to this alarming incident, with many hoping for decisive action to ensure that such violence has no place in Nigerian football.