Nasarawa fire back, deny Plateau player ‘stabbing’ claims

Nasarawa United have dismissed widespread claims that a Plateau United player, Vincent Temitope, was stabbed following their Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 33 fixture in Lafia, describing the reports as “baseless” and “false.”

In an official statement issued on Tuesday and made available to PUNCH Sports Extra, the Lafia-based club insisted that the widely circulated stabbing claim was unfounded.

“Our attention has been drawn to a disturbing trend of fake news circulating on social media, falsely claiming that a fan of our team stabbed a player of Plateau United FC, Vincent Temitope, in the neck,” the club wrote.

“We feel compelled to set the record straight and dispel this baseless narrative.”

The club confirmed there was indeed a post-match altercation involving Temitope and a spectator, but they maintained that the incident had been exaggerated.

“Contrary to the sensationalised reports, a physical altercation did occur between a spectator, who is not a supporter of our club, and Plateau United’s Vincent Temitope,” the statement said.

“Eye witnesses confirmed that the spectator used his sharp fingers, not a knife, or any other dangerous weapon as purportedly reported, to slightly bruise the player’s neck.”

The club’s account also placed some responsibility on Temitope, suggesting his earlier conduct contributed to the situation.

“The same Temitope narrowly escaped the referee’s (Rashidat Abdulganiyu’s) red card after headbutting Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare,” the statement said.

“He might have allowed his frustration to take a toll on him, leading him to vent his anger on anything along his path.”

According to Nasarawa United, the Plateau United player was treated for minor injuries and later rejoined his team.

“Vincent Temitope was taken to a nearby medical facility where his bruises were dressed, before being reunited with his teammates at their hotel accommodation,” the club said. They also confirmed that the individual involved in the scuffle was immediately arrested by police for further investigation.

Despite the club’s attempt to downplay the incident, the NPFL has come down heavily on Nasarawa United. In a statement also made available to PUNCH Sports Extra, the league body confirmed it had imposed a fine of ₦6m and ordered the club to play their remaining home games this season away from Lafia.