NWFL Fines Ibom Angels ₦2.5m, Orders Three Home Matches Behind Closed Doors After Uyo Incident
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ibom Angels FC following crowd disturbances and the assault on Bayelsa Queens players and officials during their Premiership fixture in Uyo on Wednesday. The disciplinary action, announced on Thursday, 8 January 2026, followed a review of match officials’ reports and video evidence from the NWFL Premiership encounter, played on 7 January 2026 at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State. Supporters of Ibom Angels were found to have encroached onto the field of play and attacked players and officials of Bayelsa Queens, an act the league described as a serious violation of its regulatory framework and the principles of fair play. As a result, the NWFL fined Ibom Angels a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple breaches of its regulations. The fine includes ₦1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 relating to assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security. The league organizers also ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, in line with Article 16.4 of the NWFL regulations. Commenting on the decision, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the sanctions were necessary to protect 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 values of the NWFL. We will take stiffer actions against any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of bringing the league into disrepute.” The affected fixtures to be played without spectators are Ibom Angels’ home games against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February. The NWFL further warned that any failure to comply with the sanctions or a repeat of such incidents could attract more severe penalties, including extended venue bans or further disciplinary measures.
