The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has handed down heavy penalties to Ibom Angels FC after violent incidents marred their Premiership clash against Bayelsa Queens in Uyo, Afrosport reports.
The sanctions, confirmed on Thursday followed an extensive review of match officials’ reports and video footage from the fixture played on Wednesday at the Uyo Township Stadium.
According to the league, sections of Ibom Angels supporters invaded the pitch and physically attacked Bayelsa Queens players and team officials, an incident the NWFL described as a grave violation of its rules and the spirit of the game.
Consequently, Ibom Angels have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple offences. The breakdown includes ₦1.5 million for breaches related to assault, intimidation and abusive conduct, as stipulated under Article 26.1 of the league regulations, and an additional ₦1 million for failing to ensure adequate security and bringing the league into disrepute.
In addition to the financial penalties, the club has been ordered to play its next three home matches without fans, in accordance with Article 16.4 of the NWFL rulebook.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the league would not tolerate any form of violence, stressing that the safety of players and officials remains a top priority.
“The events in Uyo are unacceptable and go against everything the NWFL stands for,” Shabi said. “We are determined to enforce our regulations firmly and will impose even tougher sanctions on any club whose supporters engage in violent or disorderly conduct.”
As a result of the ruling, Ibom Angels’ upcoming home fixtures against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February, will be played behind closed doors.
The NWFL also cautioned that non-compliance with the sanctions or any recurrence of similar incidents could lead to harsher punishments, including longer stadium bans and further disciplinary action.
