NWFL Slams Ibom Angels with ₦2.5m Fine, Orders Closed-Door Matches After Uyo Crowd Violence

NWFL Slams Ibom Angels with ₦2.5m Fine, Orders Closed-Door Matches After Uyo Crowd Violence

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed heavy sanctions on Ibom Angels FC following incidents of crowd violence and the assault of Bayelsa Queens players and officials during their Premiership match in Uyo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The disciplinary measures were confirmed on Thursday, 8 January 2026, after the league reviewed reports submitted by match officials as well as video footage from the encounter, which was played on 7 January 2026 at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the NWFL, supporters of Ibom Angels unlawfully invaded the pitch at the conclusion of the match and physically attacked players and officials of Bayelsa Queens. The league described the incident as a grave violation of its regulations and a threat to the principles of fair play and player safety.

As a result, Ibom Angels were fined a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple infractions of the NWFL framework. The sanctions include a ₦1.5 million fine for breaching Article 26.1, which covers assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, as well as an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to ensure adequate matchday security.

In addition to the financial penalty, the NWFL ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home fixtures behind closed doors, in accordance with Article 16.4 of the league’s regulations.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the decisive action underscored the league’s commitment to maintaining discipline and safeguarding all participants.

“The safety of players, officials and match personnel is non-negotiable,” Shabi said.

“What transpired in Uyo constitutes a serious breach of our regulations and the core values of the NWFL. The league will not hesitate to impose stiffer sanctions on any club whose supporters engage in violent or disruptive conduct.”

The affected fixtures, which will be played without spectators, are Ibom Angels’ home matches against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February.

The NWFL further cautioned that any failure by the club to comply with the sanctions, or a recurrence of similar incidents, could result in more severe penalties, including extended stadium bans and additional disciplinary action.