Ekiti Queens have been penalised by the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) following the assault on match officials during their home fixture against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti.

The league body described the act as a serious breach of safety rules and moved quickly to impose strict sanctions, Footballrover reports.

NWFL warns clubs after Ekiti Queens incident

In a statement issued by NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu, the league stressed that it will not tolerate any threat to referee safety or behaviours capable of damaging the credibility of the competition.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi also condemned the incident, calling it a clear violation of league standards.

She stressed that the protection of referees must remain top priority, with violence or intimidation attracting immediate disciplinary measures.

Ekiti Queens fined ₦2.5m, ordered to host games in Abeokuta

After reviewing reports and video evidence, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of several offences, including poor security, failure to control spectators, and creating an unsafe match environment.

The club has been fined ₦2.5 million for the breaches. Additionally, Ekiti Queens will play their next three home matches at a neutral venue — the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

Shabi noted that the sanctions are meant to deter future misconduct across the league, emphasising that an attack on match officials is effectively an attack on the league.

The NWFL also urged clubs, state FAs, and matchday organisers to improve security as the 2025/26 Premiership season intensifies.

Ekiti Queens reject sanctions, demand full review of officiating

Ekiti Queens have responded strongly, describing the sanctions as unfair and deeply troubling.

According to the club, the verdict ignored the core issues raised in their petition, which highlighted what they called a pattern of poor officiating during the Matchday Three encounter against Edo Queens.

The club argued that the match officials failed to meet expected professional standards.

Central referee Aliyu Aminat from Kwara was accused of repeatedly interrupting the team’s momentum and making calls that appeared to favour the visitors.

Assistant referees Ogunronbi Ruth and Williams O. Veronica, along with match commissioner Olajide Caroline, were also cited for their handling of key moments in the game.

Ekiti Queens pointed to a major controversy in the second half when a free kick from Amarachi Okoronkwo slipped from the Edo Queens goalkeeper, allowing Eunice Ezeani to score.

The goal was ruled out by assistant referee one despite what the club describes as clear evidence from the match’s official live stream.

The team said this incident and several earlier calls formed the basis of a detailed complaint they submitted to the league.

They stressed that the available footage, including a full ninety-minute recording circulating online, should have been reviewed before the NWFL announced its sanctions.

Ekiti insist that the league’s failure to examine the evidence raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness.

The management also clarified that they did not instruct or encourage any fan to protest or act unruly, describing the violence as regrettable but avoidable had officiating met the expected standard.

They added that the integrity of the NWFL can only be protected if officiating complaints are treated seriously and if referees are held accountable when they fall short.

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Last Updated on December 11, 2025 12:41 pm by footballrover