NWFL: Ibom Angels get N1m fine

By Emmanuel Oladele - Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side Ibom Angels have been handed a N1m fine by the Women's League body. One of the club's fans was also hammered with a year ban following the attack on the centre referee after the club's matchday 5 fixture against Rivers Angels at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Training Pitch in Uyo, a game the home side Ibom Angels lost by 1-0.

In a signed letter by NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, "We are in receipt of match reports from the Match Commissioner and the Centre Referee of the match number 33 between Ibom Angels FC and Rivers Angels."

"The match reports stated that one of the Ibom Angels FC fans breached security and made contact with the centre referee by grabbing her short immediately after the blast of the final whistle before the prompt intervention of security personnel on duty at the match."

"This action of one of Ibom Angels FC fans is a violation of article 26.1 of the rules book which is also capable of bringing the game to disrepute."

"In view of the above, the Ibom Angels FC fan is hereby placed on suspension for a period of 1 year for assault on match official.

"In line with article 26.1 and 27.1.3, Ibom Angels FC is fined the sum of one million naira only (N1,000,000.00)," she concluded.

The NWFL Chairperson, Aisha Falode noted that this will serve as a deterrent to the club and warning to other clubs in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) to shun violence.