Katsina United Denies Player Death Rumour, Describes Viral Reports as False and Malicious
Katsina United Football Club has firmly denied shocking reports claiming that violence broke out and a player was killed during their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash with Barau FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
In a statement released on Sunday by the club’s Media Director, Nasir Gide, Katsina United described the viral reports as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the club and football in Katsina State.”
According to the club, the fake publication alleged that fans stormed the pitch and that a player was “slaughtered” during the tense encounter.
“These claims are entirely baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the club’s image and football in the state. At no point during the game did any supporter gain access to the main pitch,” Gide clarified.
While acknowledging that the match was heated due to some controversial officiating decisions, Gide stressed that security operatives maintained order throughout the game and prevented any escalation.
“The assertions are completely false and do not reflect what truly transpired. The game was managed within the confines of order and security,” he added.
The media director expressed disappointment that a “respected platform” could spread such damaging information without verifying facts, warning that such rumours not only harm the club’s reputation but also discourage sponsors and fans from supporting local football.
He also accused Barau FC of helping to amplify the false claims online, adding that the League Management Company (LMC) has been alerted to investigate the matter.
Katsina United demanded a public retraction and apology from the online platform, threatening legal action if the false story is not withdrawn.
“We advise the publishers of this misleading report to retract the story immediately; otherwise, we’ll be left with no choice but to seek redress through appropriate legal channels,” the statement concluded.
💭 Opinion: The Danger of False Narratives in Nigerian Football
The Katsina United incident highlights a growing menace in modern sports — unchecked misinformation. In an era where a single tweet can spark nationwide outrage, the rush to post “breaking news” without verification can destroy reputations and destabilize clubs that work hard to maintain professionalism.
While passionate rivalries are part of football’s beauty, fake reports of violence or death cross a moral line. They don’t just hurt teams — they hurt the credibility of Nigerian football as a whole.
The NPFL has made visible strides in restoring public confidence in local football, with improved organization and security. Stories like this, however, threaten to undo that progress by painting a distorted image of chaos and brutality.
As fans and media consumers, it’s important to verify before sharing, and as journalists, to uphold ethics over clicks. Katsina United’s strong denial and the call for accountability are commendable steps — because football should unite communities, not divide them with lies. ⚽🇳🇬
