The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has fined Ibom Angels ₦2.5m and ordered the club to play three home matches behind closed doors following crowd violence during their match against Bayelsa Queens in Uyo on Wednesday.
The sanctions were announced on Thursday after the league reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage from the Matchday Five fixture, which ended in a 2-1 win for Bayelsa Queens.
NWFL found Ibom Angels supporters guilty of encroaching onto the pitch and assaulting players and officials of the visiting team after the final whistle. The club was fined ₦1.5m for breaching Article 26.1 on assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1m for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security.
In addition, Ibom Angels will play their next three home matches against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels — without spectators, in line with Article 16.4 of the league’s regulations.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the sanctions were necessary to safeguard the league. She stressed that the safety of players and officials is non-negotiable and warned that repeat offences could attract even stiffer penalties, including extended venue bans.
The violence reportedly broke out after the match as players exchanged handshakes, with home supporters invading the pitch. Bayelsa Queens’ head coach, Whyte Ogbonda, was assaulted while trying to protect his players and was left with injuries.
Bayelsa Queens remain top of the table following the victory, which was sealed by goals from Ojiyovwi Kesiena and Janet Akekoromowei.
