…Ibom Angels to play three home games behind closed doors
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has fined Ibom Angels a total of ₦2.5 million and ordered the Uyo-based club to play their next three home matches behind closed doors following crowd violence at one of their league fixtures.
The decision was announced on Thursday, January 8, after the NWFL leadership reviewed match officials’ reports and video evidence relating to an incident that occurred on January 7 in Uyo.
The disturbance occurred after Ibom Angels’ Matchday 5 clash against defending champions Bayelsa Queens, which ended in a hard-fought 2–1 away victory for the visitors. Following the final whistle, supporters invaded the pitch and assaulted Bayelsa Queens players and officials, with several individuals sustaining varying degrees of injury.
The league organisers described the incident as a serious breach of its regulatory framework and a violation of the principles of fair play.
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As a result, Ibom Angels were fined ₦2.5 million, broken down into ₦1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 of the NWFL regulations, which relates to assault, intimidation, and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security.
In addition to the financial penalty, the league ordered the club to play their next three home matches without spectators, in line with Article 16.4 of the NWFL regulations.
Commenting on the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the measures were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the league and ensure the safety of all participants.
“The safety of players, officials and match personnel is non-negotiable,” Shabi said. “What occurred in Uyo represents a serious breach of our regulations and the core values of the NWFL. We will take stiffer action against any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of bringing the league into disrepute.”
The NWFL also warned that any failure to comply with the imposed sanctions or a repeat of similar incidents could result in more severe penalties, including extended venue bans and further disciplinary measures.
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