- Osun Babes FC failed to appear with a compliant kit for their away fixture against FC Robo Queens at Onikan Stadium, Lagos
- The Nigeria Women Football League cited violations of Articles 10.3, 10.5, and 14.7 of its regulations, awarding a walkover to FC Robo Queens
- Osun Babes were fined ₦2.5 million and docked three points, serving as a warning to all clubs to uphold professional standards and fixture obligations in Nigerian women’s football
The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has imposed a ₦2.5 million fine and a three-point deduction on Osun Babes Football Club after their scheduled league fixture against FC Robo Queens failed to take place in Lagos.
In a statement released on Thursday, the league confirmed that the match, billed for Wednesday at Onikan Stadium, could not commence because the visiting side failed to meet kit requirements. Osun Babes, designated as the away team, did not present an alternative jersey set with properly displayed player names and numbers, despite a confirmed colour clash with the home team.
As a result, league officials awarded a walkover to FC Robo Queens in accordance with NWFL competition regulations.
Samuel Ahmadu, the league’s Media Director, explained that the club’s actions contravened Article 10.3 of the league’s regulatory framework, which mandates that visiting teams deploy their second-choice kits in the event of a colour clash with the home team. Article 10.5 further requires away teams to change kits if the home side appears in its registered first-choice colours.
Additionally, Osun Babes were found in breach of Article 14.7 for failing to honour the fixture without force majeure or any acceptable explanation. “As stipulated by the rules, Osun Babes have been fined ₦1,000,000 for the jersey infraction and ₦1,500,000 for failing to fulfil the fixture, bringing the total sanction to ₦2,500,000,” the NWFL statement said.
Modupe Shabi, Chief Operating Officer of the league, emphasised the importance of compliance. “The NWFL remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and compliance. Our regulations are clear, and all clubs are expected to meet their obligations fully to protect the integrity and credibility of the league,” she said.
The NWFL also reminded Premiership teams to strictly observe operational rules to avoid similar disciplinary measures in future fixtures. The sanction highlights the league’s determination to enforce its regulations and maintain fairness across all competitions, reinforcing the expectation that clubs take responsibility for kit management and match obligations.
Observers note that the penalty serves as a cautionary measure for all Nigerian women’s football teams, underscoring the NWFL’s commitment to professionalism and ensuring that scheduled matches proceed without disruption.