State govt faces pressure over N15m Osun Babes debt

Osun State Government is facing pressure to intervene in a N15 million financial dispute involving Osun Babes Football Club and Imo Strikers Queens FC.

The dispute, DAILY POST gathered, reportedly arose from an agreement between the two clubs involving the exchange of a league slot, with Imo Strikers Queens alleging that Osun Babes has failed to pay an outstanding balance of N15 million.

In a petition signed by the Chairman of Imo Strikers Queens FC, Prince Chido Chinedu, the club called on the Osun State Government and relevant football authorities to compel Osun Babes to settle the debt or enter into an acceptable written repayment agreement.

The petition was addressed to the management of Osun Babes FC, the Osun State Sports Council and other relevant authorities. Copies of the petition were also sent to the Executive Governor of Osun State, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, the Chairman of the Osun State Sports Council and the Osun State Football Association.

Imo Strikers Queens said the financial obligation was not merely a disputed claim, alleging that Osun Babes had formally acknowledged the outstanding debt in writing.

According to documents referenced in the petition, “Osun Babes Team Manager, Akinbade O. Tope, signed a letter dated 22 December 2025 acknowledging that the club could not meet an earlier payment commitment.

The letter reportedly stated that Osun Babes would settle the outstanding N15 million by the end of the first round of the 2025/2026 Premier League season and before the commencement of the second round.

Imo Strikers Queens, however, alleged that the commitment has not been honoured despite the expiration of the agreed deadline.

The club said the outstanding sum remains unpaid despite previous efforts to resolve the matter amicably between the two parties.

Imo Strikers Queens also appealed to the Osun State Government and sports authorities to intervene, saying the prolonged dispute was placing financial pressure on the club.

“The situation is affecting its ability to meet financial obligations to players, coaches and officials.

“We also call on the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take notice of the dispute and intervene within their respective regulatory powers,” it stated.

The club requested that any repayment proposal from Osun Babes should be formally presented in writing and agreed upon by both parties.

Imo Strikers Queens gave a 14-day deadline from the receipt of its petition for the N15 million to be paid or for both clubs to reach a mutually acceptable written settlement.

It warned that failure to resolve the matter could lead to further action before the appropriate football regulatory bodies and competent courts.