NWFL Fines Ekiti Queens ₦2.5m, Imposes Home Ban After Referee Assault

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has handed Ekiti Queens a ₦2.5 million fine and a three‑match home ban after match officials were assaulted during their league fixture against Edo Queens in Ado‑Ekiti on Wednesday.

The league described the incident as a serious breach of its safety and conduct regulations.

In a statement released on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu outlined the disciplinary measures and warned that the league would not tolerate any actions that endanger referees or compromise the integrity of its competitions.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi also condemned the attack, stressing that the league maintains a zero tolerance stance on violence.

Shabi described the assault as ‘completely unacceptable’ and a ‘gross breach’ of NWFL rules, emphasising that referee safety remains non‑negotiable.

She warned that any form of intimidation or misconduct would attract the harshest sanctions.

After reviewing match reports and video evidence, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of several violations, including inadequate security provision, failure to control supporters, and creating an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials.

The club was fined ₦2.5 million and ordered to play its next three home matches at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

Shabi added that the punishment is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to other clubs, noting that an attack on a referee is effectively an attack on the league itself.

She urged all teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to reinforce security measures as the 2025/26 Premiership season intensifies.