Wahala don burst for Nigeria Women’s Football League as Ibom Angels don receive heavy fine of N2.5m after serious crowd violence wey happen for their match against Bayelsa Queens for Uyo.
Dis incident no be small matter o, as crowd wey support Ibom Angels sabi enter pitch, come begin fight Bayelsa Queens players and officials. Na wetin the league call serious breach of their rules and fair play principles.
According to the ruling wey dem announce on Thursday, dem fine Ibom Angels N1.5m for article 26.1 wey talk about assault and all those wahala, plus additional N1m because of wetin dem call ‘bringing the game into disrepute’ and failing to provide necessary security. E no sweet at all!
As part of the punishment, Ibom Angels must play their next three home matches without any fans come watch. Dis fit impact their morale as dem go face Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens, and Naija Ratels in the coming matches. Na serious matter indeed, and na so the league fit dey protect demself.
Modupe Shabi, wey be Chief Operating Officer for NWFL, talk say safety of all players and officials no dey negotiable. She talk am clear say any club wey allow their fans misbehave go face severe punishment. E mean say no be play play again! Dem dey serious about dis!
For the match wey cause all dis chaos, Bayelsa Queens win 2-1, and dem remain number one for the league table. Ojiyovwi Kesiena and Janet Akekoromowei shine for Bayelsa side as dem score di goals, but Helen Daniel manage pull one back for Ibom Angels.
After di match, as players dey exchange pleasantries, wahala burst and Bayelsa players come run for cover. Even their head coach, Whyte Ogbonda, collect some blow wey leave am with blood for mouth. Na soft men wey wan attack ladies, as many social media users call am disgraceful!
Some fans dey vex as dem dey voice their opinion online. Charles Odo suggest say dem fit punish Ibom Angels so e go lean into bankruptcy. Adeyemi Oluwabusayomi chop belleful talk say make dem just cancel dem from di league, while Michael Polycarp dey wonder wetin make grown men wan attack women wey dey play ball?
Dis kind matter fit bring Nigeria league down if e continue. As players and fans, wey need to dey enjoy the game, we no go fit accept dis kind behavior no matter what.
Fingers crossed say dem go use dis case as caution to others, because football no suppose be about fight, it suppose be about fun and unity. Make all of us dey shine our eye to ensure say our league and players dey safe for this kind environment. Na only then we fit grow.
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