The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has sent a clear message on discipline and safety, slamming Ibom Angels FC with heavy sanctions following crowd violence and the assault of Bayelsa Queens players and officials during their Premiership clash in Uyo.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 8 January 2026, the NWFL confirmed that the punishment followed a detailed review of match officials’ reports and video footage from the Matchday fixture played on 7 January at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
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According to the league body, supporters of Ibom Angels invaded the field of play and physically attacked members of the Bayelsa Queens contingent—an incident the NWFL described as a grave breach of its regulations and the core values of fair play and sportsmanship.
As a result, Ibom Angels were fined a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple infractions. The sanctions include a ₦1.5 million fine for violating Article 26.1, which covers assault, intimidation, and offensive conduct, as well as an additional ₦1 million for bringing the league into disrepute and failing to provide adequate matchday security.
Beyond the financial penalty, the NWFL has ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, invoking Article 16.4 of the league’s regulations. The affected fixtures are home games against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels, scheduled across January and February.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi described the sanctions as necessary and unavoidable, stressing that player and official safety remains a top priority for the league.
“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 league also issued a stern warning, noting that any failure by Ibom Angels to comply with the imposed sanctions—or a recurrence of similar incidents—could result in even harsher measures, including extended venue bans and further disciplinary action.
Bottom line: the NWFL is drawing a hard line. As the women’s league continues to grow in visibility and professionalism, tolerance for crowd violence is officially off the table.
