The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed heavy disciplinary sanctions on Ibom Angels FC after violent scenes marred their Premiership match against Bayelsa Queens in Uyo, raising renewed concerns over crowd control and player safety in the league.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the league said the sanctions followed an extensive review of match officials’ reports and video footage from Wednesday’s fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.
The NWFL found that supporters of Ibom Angels breached security, invaded the pitch and physically assaulted players and officials of Bayelsa Queens, an act the league described as a serious violation of its regulations and the core values of the competition.
As punishment, Ibom Angels were fined a total of ₦2.5 million. The breakdown includes a ₦1.5 million fine for breaching Article 26.1 of the NWFL regulations, which addresses assault, intimidation and offensive behaviour, and an additional ₦1 million penalty for bringing the league into disrepute and failing to ensure adequate matchday security.
Beyond the financial penalties, the league ordered the club to play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors, citing Article 16.4 of its rules. The affected matches include home games against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the league would take a zero-tolerance stance against violence.
“What happened in Uyo is unacceptable and a clear violation of our regulations,” Shabi said. “The NWFL will not hesitate to impose even stiffer sanctions on any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of damaging the integrity of the league.”
The league also warned that any breach of the sanctions or a repeat of similar incidents could attract harsher measures, including longer stadium bans and further disciplinary action, as it seeks to protect players, officials and the credibility of women’s football in Nigeria.
Written by Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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