NWFL Fines Ekiti Queens ₦2.5m, Imposes Three-Match Home Ban Over Assault on Officials

NWFL Fines Ekiti Queens ₦2.5m, Imposes Three-Match Home Ban Over Assault on Officials

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has handed Ekiti Queens a ₦2.5 million fine and a three-match home ban following the assault on match officials during the club’s fixture against Edo Queens on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu described the incident as a serious breach of safety and conduct regulations, stressing that the league would not tolerate actions that endanger referees or compromise the integrity of its competitions.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack, reaffirming the league’s commitment to strict enforcement of its regulations.

“The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said. “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 a review of match reports and video evidence, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of several infractions, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and creating an unsafe environment that led to the assault.

As part of the sanctions, Ekiti Queens will play their next three home games at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, designated as a neutral venue.

Shabi emphasized that the penalties serve as a warning 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.

The league also urged home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen security operations as the 2025/26 Premiership season intensifies.