The Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) has come down hard on Ibom Angels Football Club, imposing a hefty fine and severe sporting sanctions following a disgraceful incident of crowd violence.
Match Day Chaos in Uyo
The disciplinary action stems from events that unfolded on Wednesday, June 7, at the Uyo Township Stadium. At the conclusion of a league fixture, supporters of the home team, Ibom Angels, allegedly invaded the pitch. The mob then proceeded to physically assault players and officials from the visiting team, Bayelsa Queens.
The league's governing body described the event as a serious breach of its regulations. It emphasized that such acts pose a direct threat to the safety of players and undermine the principle of fair play that is fundamental to the sport.
Breakdown of Financial and Sporting Sanctions
The NWFL announced a total financial penalty of ₦2.5 million against Ibom Angels. This sum is split into two parts:
- ₦1.5 million for the acts of assault, intimidation, and offensive conduct by the club's supporters.
- An additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and for the club's failure to provide adequate security on match day.
Beyond the monetary fine, the club faces a significant sporting punishment. The NWFL has ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted. These games will be against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels.
A Stern Warning from the League
The NWFL issued a clear and firm warning to the club alongside these sanctions. The statement indicated that any failure to comply with the imposed penalties would result in even harsher consequences. Furthermore, the league warned that a repeat of any similar misconduct in the future would be met with the full force of its disciplinary measures.
This decisive move by the NWFL highlights its commitment to stamping out violence and hooliganism in the women's league. It serves as a stark reminder to all clubs of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all participants on and off the field.
