Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) board has condemned in strongest term the ugly incidents in two match venues of top-flight matchday 12 clash in Nembe, Bayelsa state and Fufore, Adamawa state.
The clash between hosts, Bayelsa Queens and Sunshine Queens at the Nembe City Stadium which ended 1-0 in favour of the home side saw the goalkeeper of the Akure side, Elizabeth Johnson with a severe bloodied nose said to be an attack on her by unidentified fans.
In another scenario at the Atiku Abubakar Stadium in Fufore, the clash between the hosts, Adamawa Queens and visitors, Osun Babes ended inconclusively as a result of dispute that arose from the second goal credited to the home side.
Alarmed by the blood-curdling and unprecedented events of the weekend, the chairman, Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode said in no unmistakable voice that adequate measure will be taken to stamp out violence and other untoward act in whatever colouration in the women league.
“What happened in Nembe and Fufore is condemnable by any sane person and we condemn it without reservation.
“We will not tolerate bloodletting, violence or unruly behaviour in whatever guise irrespective of reason(s) or person(s).
“We will duly investigate the remote and immediate causes of the sad events and those found culpable and wanting in whatever form will be made to bear the full weight of the rules guiding the league.
“We condemn the win-at-all-cost syndrome the women’s league remains beautiful and must be enjoyed by all whether the result favours or disfavours the parties involved.
“What transpired in Nembe is clearly alarming and unprecedented in the history of women league.
“The name of the game is fair play and that should be the underlying principle guiding the parties at all times.
“Of course, the NWFL board will insist on replay in the inconclusive match between Adamawa Queens and Osun Babes as the culprit(s) will be made to pay for it.
“There is a well spelled out channels of appeal and grievance to explore by any party who feels short-changed at any given time.
“We are engaging with the parties in the Fufore’s incident and be rest assured there will be consequences at the end of the day.
“We do not want to pre-empt anyone but we insist that not even the chase of Super Four tickets or avoidance of the drop should warrant any act of lawlessness or bloodletting as shown in the Nembe game,” said Falode.
The Bayelsa Queens’ win keep the side at the summit of NWPL Group A on 22 points with two matches left on the season’s calendar while Adamawa Queens and Osun Babes have 20 points each on Group B log behind leaders, Delta Queens pending the determination of their inconclusive matchday 12 clash.
Two topmost teams in each group will qualify to play in the Super Four at the end of regular season to determine the league champions.
