A goalless draw between Enugu Rangers and Plateau United erupted into violence on Sunday as irate fans attacked the visiting team in Jos.
Enugu Rangers officials reported that the team bus and players were assaulted by Plateau United fans shortly after the game on Match Day 11 of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Professional Football League.
Felix Ifeanyi, an official of Enugu Rangers, described the chaotic scene, expressing shock at the brutality faced by the team.
“Today, just a draw in Jos, and Plateau United fans ‘scatter’ our bus and beat our players,” Ifeanyi stated.
He added that the damage to the team bus alone would cost millions to repair.
One of the players was left bloodied in the attack, with a photo circulating online showing his injury.
The shocking image has raised questions about security measures and fan behavior in Nigerian football.
Enugu Rangers, also known as the “Flying Antelopes,” did not take the incident lightly.
In a swift response, the club announced they have filed an official petition to the authorities, demanding an investigation.
In a statement, Enugu Rangers condemned the attack, describing it as “unwarranted.”
The statement read: “We wish to inform you about the unfortunate incident that occurred during our match against Plateau United in Jos.”
It continued, “The attack on our team was unwarranted, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure justice is served.”
Enugu Rangers declared that they would not rest until the incident is “thoroughly addressed and resolved.”
The attack highlights ongoing concerns about violence in the Nigerian football league, where tensions often run high among rival fans.
As the story spread, Plateau United management responded with their own account of the incident.
According to Plateau United, the assault occurred after the Enugu Rangers had already left the stadium grounds.
They argued that the host team should not be held responsible for what happened outside the stadium perimeter.
In their statement, Plateau United noted, “At the culmination of the NPFL Match Day 11 game, players and officials of Rangers International of Enugu departed the New Jos Stadium safely without any form of molestation.”
They added that the visiting team had traveled about two kilometers from the stadium when the attack took place.
The statement highlighted that once the visiting team exits the stadium grounds, the security provided by the host team is no longer in effect.
Plateau United management condemned any form of hooliganism among its supporters, but insisted the club was not responsible for the attack.
“While Plateau United FC condemns any form of hooliganism amongst its fan base, the club is insistent it knows nothing about the attack nor has anything to do with the accused persons that attacked,” the statement read.
The club’s general manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, emphasized Plateau United’s commitment to fair play, stating, “We are a peaceful club who believe in either of three outcomes when we step out for an encounter: to win, lose, or draw.”
Mutla assured that the club would continue to maintain law and order within the stadium’s perimeter.
Despite Plateau United’s statements, Enugu Rangers supporters and Nigerian football fans are calling for stricter actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The violent encounter has once again drawn attention to the issue of fan violence in Nigerian football, raising concerns about safety for players, coaches, and officials.
Experts argue that stricter regulations and enforcement of security measures are needed to protect teams and maintain order.
As the Nigerian Professional Football League grows in popularity, incidents like this raise questions about the league’s ability to manage passionate fan bases and prevent violence.
