The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has fined Ibom Angels FC ₦2.5 million and ordered the club to play their next three home matches behind closed doors following crowd disturbances during a Premiership fixture in Uyo.
The sanctions were confirmed on Thursday, 8 January 2026, after the league reviewed match officials reports and video evidence from the encounter between Ibom Angels and Bayelsa Queens, played on 7 January at the Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the NWFL, supporters of Ibom Angels encroached onto the pitch and assaulted players and officials of Bayelsa Queens, an incident the league described as a serious breach of its regulations and the principles of fair play.
The league imposed a total fine of ₦2.5 million on Ibom Angels, including ₦1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 relating to assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security.
Ibom Angels. Photo Credit: Ibom Angels media
Ibom Angels were also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, in line with Article 16.4 of the NWFL regulations.
However, the NWFL statement made no reference to concerns over officiating during the match, despite protests from Ibom Angels over several contentious decisions by the centre referee.
During the encounter, the referee was criticised for a series of questionable calls, including initially awarding Ibom Angels an equalising goal after consulting with his assistant referee, only to reverse the decision moments later and signal for a goal kick.
The home side were also denied what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty, decisions that heightened frustration among players, officials and supporters inside the stadium.
No explanation was provided by the league regarding the officiating decisions, with the disciplinary measures focusing solely on crowd misconduct and security lapses, and no comment on whether poor officiating contributed to the escalation of tensions.
Bayelsa Queens are the defending champions of the NWFL. Photo Credit: Bayelsa Queens media
NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the sanctions were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the league and ensure 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 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.”
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The affected fixtures to be played without spectators are Ibom Angels’ home matches against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February.
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The NWFL also warned that any failure to comply with the sanctions, or any repeat of similar incidents, could result in more severe penalties, including extended venue bans or further disciplinary action.
