19/02/2026
PRESS RELEASE
NWFL Slaps Osun Babes with ₦2.5M Fine Over Jersey Violation
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 match, scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, could not proceed after 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.
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 ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) for the jersey violation and ₦1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for failing to fulfil the fixture, bringing the total sanction to ₦2,500,000 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only).
Commenting on the decision, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said: “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. 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 the 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.
SIGNED
Samuel Ahmadu
Media Director,
Nigeria Women Football League
February 19, 2026
19/02/2026
NWFL PREMIERSHIP RESULTS & STANDINGS – AFTER MATCHDAY 8️⃣
Bayelsa Queens remains top of Group A despite their first defeat, holding on via superior goal difference.
While FC Robo Queens stretched their advantage to a six-point lead topping Group B, tightening their grip on the top spot.
The Super Six race is heating up 🔥
16/02/2026
Press Release
16th February,2026
Nigeria Rugby Unveils Ambitious 2026 Calendar, Prioritises Women’s Continental Qualification
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expansive domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.
The roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.
Expanded Domestic Competitions
The 2026 season will feature one of the federation’s broadest domestic frameworks in recent years, including:
A National 7s Circuit (Men’s & Women’s) across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo.
A six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja.
Youth tournaments including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).
Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).
International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures.
According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.
Women’s Rugby Back on the Continental Path
A major highlight of the 2026 agenda is the revitalisation of Nigeria’s Women’s Rugby programme.
The NRFF has submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun. Hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s.
The federation is also exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia — a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition.
Officials say the dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme.
Capacity Building and Governance
The 2026 calendar also includes World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials, and strength and conditioning professionals, alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives.
International Outlook
Nigeria is set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under Rugby Africa structures.
Describing the season as pivotal, the federation stated:
“Our domestic competitions are stronger, our women’s programme has a clear continental pathway, and our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”
The NRFF says the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby.
Media Contact:
Tolu Oguntimehin
