State govt faces pressure over N15m Osun Babes debt
Osun State Government Pressured to Resolve Football Financial Dispute
Osun State is facing mounting pressure to intervene in a N15 million financial dispute between Osun Babes Football Club and Imo Strikers Queens FC.
The dispute reportedly stems from an agreement for the exchange of a league slot, with Imo Strikers Queens alleging that Osun Babes has failed to fulfill a financial obligation of N15 million. Documents obtained by DAILY POST indicate that Imo Strikers has formally petitioned the Osun State Government and other relevant football authorities to compel Osun Babes to settle the debt or establish a repayment plan.
The petition, signed by Prince Chido Chinedu, chairman of Imo Strikers Queens FC, was directed to multiple stakeholders, including the management of Osun Babes FC, the Osun State Sports Council, and various sports authorities, with copies sent to the Governor of Osun State and the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.
Imo Strikers Queens asserts that this financial obligation is not merely a disputed claim, citing a letter from Osun Babes’ team manager, Akinbade O. Tope, dated December 22, 2025. The letter reportedly acknowledged the club’s inability to meet a prior payment commitment, with an assurance that the outstanding N15 million would be settled by the end of the first round of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.
Despite the agreed-upon deadline passing, Imo Strikers Queens insists that the debt remains unpaid, and previous attempts to resolve the matter amicably have been unsuccessful. The club emphasized that the ongoing dispute is creating financial strain, which hampers its ability to meet obligations to players, coaches, and staff.
Imo Strikers Queens is calling for intervention from both the Osun State Government and the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), urging them to recognize the seriousness of the situation and act within their regulatory powers. The club requests that any repayment proposal from Osun Babes be formalized in writing and agreed upon by both parties.
The petition sets a 14-day deadline for the payment of the N15 million or for both clubs to come to an acceptable written agreement. Imo Strikers Queens has warned that failure to resolve the issue could result in further action before applicable football regulatory bodies and legal authorities.
