The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has sanctioned Osun Babes FC following breaches of its regulatory framework that led to the non-commencement of their 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership fixture against FC Robo Queens in Lagos.

The media director of NWFL, Samuel Ahmadu, in a statement, disclosed that the match, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, could not proceed due to the infraction by the Osun Babes team.

He said, “Osun Babes, designated as the away team, failed to provide an alternative set of jerseys with clearly printed player names and numbers, despite a confirmed colour clash with the home side.

“Consequently, the match officials declared a walkover in favour of FC Robo Queens, in line with NWFL regulations.

“The League determined that Osun Babes’ actions contravened Article 10.3 of the NWFL Regulatory Framework, which requires clubs to use their second-choice colours for away matches to resolve colour clashes.”

Mr Ahmadu added, “Additionally, Article 10.5 mandates that the away team must wear alternative colours if the home club is in its registered first-choice kit.

“The failure to honour the fixture without force majeure or an acceptable justification also violated Article 14.7.

“In accordance with these provisions, Osun Babes has been fined ₦1 million for the jersey violation and ₦1.5 million for failing to fulfil the fixture, bringing the total sanction to ₦2.5 million.”

The NWFL Chief Operating Officer (CEO), Modupe Shabi, said the league body remained committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.

“Our regulations are clear, and all clubs are expected to meet their obligations fully. These measures are necessary to protect the integrity and credibility of the NWFL and are not punitive for their own sake.

“The NWFL reiterates its commitment to fair play, discipline, and orderly conduct of matches and reminds all premiership clubs of their responsibility to strictly adhere to league rules and operational requirements to avoid future sanctions,” she said. 

(NAN)