Super 6: NWFL fines Rivers Angels, suspends two players from third-place match

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has issued a fine on the 2020/2021 league champions, Rivers Angels for unruly behaviour of players following an attack of match officials on Friday.

Two players of the team assaulted the centre referee after the 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership Super Six Group A match between Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens which ended 1-0 in favour of the Yenegoa-based side.

Glory Edet’s third minute penalty had given the Prosperity Girls the lead after Sabastine Flourish was fouled inside the box.

Hassan Suliat thought she had equalized for Rivers Angels but her goal was ruled out by the assistant referee with replay showing the cross which located her had crossed the line.

“The NWFL acknowledged report on Match No. 5 between Rivers Angels FC and Bayelsa Queens FC in the 2023 NWFL Super Six Competition played on Friday, 9th June 2023 in Asaba, Delta State where two of Rivers Angels players assaulted a match official in the aforementioned match,” the statement on NWFL’s Twitter handle read.

“An assault on Match official(s) in any form is a serious offense which goes against the principles of fair play and respect for match officials. Therefore, the action of Rivers Angels is totally not acceptable by the Nigeria Women’s Football League.

“After thorough investigation into the incident and also reports from Match Officials confirming the unruly behavior from the two players, the Nigeria Women Football League have decided to impose the following sanctions on Rivers Angels.

“A fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) have been imposed on Rivers Angels for contravening Article 26.1 which states that “any player or official who assaults a match official or any other person in the course of a match through physical, verbal, intimidation or form of body language that are deemed offensive on or against match officials are liable to a fine of N1,000,000.00 and possible banishment. The NWFL may place a ban of up to 1 year on a venue where Match Officials are assaulted.”

Rivers Angels Ghanaian goalkeeper, Charlotte Adjei and Hassan Suliat were suspended from Sunday’s third-place match with Confluence Queens for assaulting match officials.

“Players Jersey No. 12, Adjei Charlotte, and Jersey No. 22, Hassan Suliat have been suspended respectively for the 3rd Place match between Confluence Queens FC and Rivers Angels FC for bringing the game to disrepute.

“NWFL strongly encourage that Rivers Angels ensure that their players and officials understand the importance of fair play and respect for match officials.”