NWFL Slams Ekiti Queens With ₦2.5m Fine, Three-Game Home Ban After Match Officials Assault
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ekiti Queens following the assault on match officials during their Wednesday’s home match against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti, describing the incident as a severe violation of league safety and conduct regulations.
In a swift response on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu issued an official statement detailing the disciplinary actions, warning that the league organisers would not tolerate any threat to the safety of referees or the integrity of its competitions.
Confirming the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack and reiterated the league’s firm stance on safety and professionalism.
“The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said.
“The NWFL wishes to reiterate that the safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the league will attract the strongest possible sanctions.”
Following the preliminary review of official reports and video evidences, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and allowing an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials.
As punishment,Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for the varying breaches. In addition, the NWFL also ordered the club to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue in MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Shabi, also further, stressed that the penalties serve as a deterrent to all clubs across the league.
“The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said.
“Clubs must ensure full compliance with our safety and conduct regulations.”
The NWFL further appealed to home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen their security operations as the 2025/26 Premiership season gathers intensity.
