The Nigeria Women’s Football League has imposed a ₦2.5 million fine on Osun Babes following regulatory violations that caused their 2025/2026 Premiership match against FC Robo Queens in Lagos to be abandoned.
The fixture, slated for Wednesday, February 18 at Onikan Stadium, could not kick off because Osun Babes, the designated away team, failed to present an alternative kit with properly displayed names and numbers, despite an earlier confirmation of a kit colour clash with the hosts.
With no compliant change strip available, match officials awarded a walkover to Robo Queens in accordance with league rules.
Following a review, the league ruled on Thursday that the club’s actions violated Article 10.3 of its regulatory framework, which compels visiting teams to adopt their second-choice colours where necessary to avoid clashes.
It also found a breach of Article 10.5, which requires away teams to switch kits if the home side wears its registered first-choice strip. In addition, the failure to honour the fixture without force majeure or acceptable justification contravened Article 14.7.
As a result, Osun Babes were fined N1m for the kit infringement and a further N1.5m for failing to fulfil the fixture, bringing the total sanction to N2.5m.
In response to the decision, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, stressed that the measures were aimed at preserving professional standards and safeguarding the competition’s integrity.
“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,” she said.
“These measures are necessary to protect the integrity and credibility of the NWFL and are not punitive for their own sake.”
The league reiterated its commitment to discipline, fair play, and the orderly conduct of matches, reminding all Premiership clubs to adhere strictly to operational requirements to avoid similar sanctions
In his response to comments on Osun Sports Development on Thursday, Oluwaseun Omolola, Media Officer, Osun Babes FC, described the jersey violation punishment as regrettable, saying the official responsible has been summoned by relevant authorities.
“On the issue of the Osun Babes FC jerseys, we acknowledge that the situation was regrettable. The team presented jerseys that closely resembled that of the home side, which led to the match officials deeming them unacceptable. This was an unfortunate oversight by those responsible for logistics. The person in charge has been summoned by the relevant authorities for a full explanation and appropriate action will be taken.
“Finally, it is also important to affirm that Governor Ademola Adeleke has consistently shown commitment to sports development in Osun State. Over the past few years, his administration has prioritised: upgrading of Osogbo Township Stadium to meet Olympic standards is ongoing and would be completed soon which would open opportunities to host major sporting events,” the statement partly read.
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