The Nigeria Women Football League NWFL has slammed Heartland Queens with a ₦1 million fine after confirming the assault of match officials during their home fixture against Remo Stars Ladies at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
According to a statement issued by NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi, the decision was reached following a thorough investigation and review of the match officials’ report from Match No. 92 of the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season. The incident involved both club officials and supporters engaging in conduct deemed “unruly” and in violation of league standards.
Citing Article 26.1 of NWFL regulations, Shabi noted that any player or official found guilty of assault, whether physical, verbal, or through intimidating body language, faces a mandatory ₦1 million fine and potential venue banishment. The league further warned that such infractions could lead to a one-year ban on the use of the venue where the assault occurred.
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Heartland Queens have been advised to sensitise both staff and fans on proper conduct, with the NWFL reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on violence and any actions that threaten the integrity of the sport.
Editorial
This fine should be more than a line item in Heartland Queens’ budget it must be a wake up call. The assault on match officials is not just a breach of rules, it’s a stain on everything the NWFL has worked hard to build respect, professionalism, and the growth of women’s football in Nigeria.
We must collectively reject the notion that emotional outbursts especially violent ones—are part of the game. Passion is one thing. Assault is another. If we want to be taken seriously on the international stage, our domestic leagues must be environments where referees, players, and fans are safe.
The NWFL’s reaction is both necessary and commendable. But the fine should not be the end of the conversation. Heartland Queens need to take proactive steps: internal disciplinary actions, supporter education, and a public commitment to better standards. Clubs must lead the cultural shift if the league is to thrive.
We’ve made great strides in Nigerian women’s football, but there’s still a long road ahead. Protecting the integrity of the game through sanctions and education alike is the only way forward. Let this moment not be remembered for the violence, but for how the league stood firm against it.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) was established in 1990 and has since become a key platform for developing female footballers in the country.
- Dan Anyiam Stadium, home to Heartland Queens, is named after Nigeria’s first national team captain.
- Article 26.1 of NWFL regulations covers not only physical assaults but also intimidation through gestures and verbal abuse.
- Remo Stars Ladies are one of the newer entrants into the NWFL, rising rapidly through the ranks of women’s football in Nigeria.
- Nigeria’s top women’s league has produced international stars like Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie.
