Nigerian Player Stabbed in Racist Attack
Last update: March 18, 2026
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Nigerian footballer hospitalised after surviving racially motivated knife attack in Lithuania...
A 20-year-old Nigerian footballer, Chinonso Jeremiah Obi, is receiving treatment in hospital after surviving a knife attack in Lithuania, an incident authorities have described as racially motivated.
The attack occurred on Tuesday, March 17, in the city of Alytus, sparking outrage across the football community and renewing concerns about racism targeting African players in Europe.
Obi, who plays for FK Dainava, was reportedly attacked while his team was preparing for an away fixture against Tauras in Taurage in the country’s second-tier league.
What began as routine pre-match preparations quickly turned into a traumatic incident when the young forward was confronted and stabbed in what has been described as an unprovoked assault.
Following the attack, the scheduled match was immediately postponed as club officials and league authorities responded to the situation.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and remains in custody while investigations continue.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Lithuanian Football Federation condemned the attack, describing it as a “manifestation of racism” and a stain on the country’s image.
“What happened in Alytus goes beyond any limits of humanity,” the federation said.
“The person attacked is not only a player, but also a young person who has come to Lithuania, striving for a career, fighting for the honour of his team and contributing to its victories.”
The federation further warned that such incidents send a troubling message globally.
“Such attacks undoubtedly send a dangerous signal to the entire international football community, and it is incredibly unfortunate that there are still people in our country who behave so unpredictably in broad daylight,” it added.
CBI News reports that the federation’s president, Edgaras Stankevičius, also condemned the attack, emphasising the importance of safety and inclusion in football.
“Racism has no place in football or society. Every player, regardless of nationality, skin colour, or origin, must feel safe and do what they do best, delight fans in stadiums.
“Football around the world must be a unifying force, not a divisive one,” he said.
The incident has disrupted Obi’s growing career in Europe.
He joined FK Dainava in February 2025 and had recently begun establishing himself, featuring in a 3-3 draw against TransINVEST just days before the attack.
Obi’s case is the latest in a string of racist incidents involving African footballers in Europe.
Recently, fellow Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare faced racial abuse on social media after a penalty miss in a Premier League match involving Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace.
