NWFL fines Ibom Angels and orders closed door matches
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has handed down stiff sanctions to Ibom Angels FC following crowd disturbances and the assault of Bayelsa Queens players and officials during their Premiership clash in Uyo.
The decision, announced on Thursday, 8 January 2026, came after the league reviewed match officials’ reports and video evidence from the Matchday Five fixture played on Wednesday, 7 January, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
According to the NWFL, supporters of Ibom Angels invaded the pitch after the match and attacked members of the Bayelsa Queens team and officials an incident the league described as a grave breach of its regulations and the spirit of fair play.
As punishment, Ibom Angels have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple violations of the NWFL rules. 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 security.
In addition to the financial penalties, the Uyo-based club has been ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors in accordance with Article 16.4 of the league’s regulations.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the measures were necessary to safeguard the league’s integrity and guarantee the safety of players and officials.
“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 not hesitate to take stiffer action against any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of bringing the league into disrepute.”
Ibom Angels’ home fixtures against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February, will be played without spectators.
The league also warned that failure to comply with the sanctions or any recurrence of similar incidents could lead to even harsher penalties, including extended stadium bans and further disciplinary action.
