The Osun State Government is facing mounting pressure to intervene in a ₦15 million financial dispute involving Osun Babes Football Club and Imo Strikers Queens FC, following the alleged failure of the Osun-based club to honour a written commitment arising from a league slot exchange agreement.
Imo Strikers Queens, in a strongly worded petition, called on the Osun State Government and relevant football authorities to compel Osun Babes to settle the outstanding ₦15 million 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, with copies 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.
The dispute reportedly stems from an agreement between the two clubs involving the exchange of a league slot, for which Imo Strikers Queens says Osun Babes is yet to pay the outstanding balance of ₦15 million.
More significantly, Imo Strikers Queens claims that the debt was formally acknowledged by Osun Babes in writing.
According to documents referenced in the petition, a letter dated December 22, 2025 and signed by Osun Babes Team Manager, Akinbade O. Tope, reportedly acknowledged that the club could not meet its earlier payment commitment and promised to settle the outstanding ₦15 million by the end of the first round of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, before the commencement of the second round.
That commitment, Imo Strikers Queens alleges, has not been honoured.
The club says the ₦15 million remains unpaid despite the passage of the agreed deadline and previous efforts to resolve the matter amicably.
Osun Govt Put on the Spot
The development has now put the Osun State Government and its sports authorities under scrutiny, with questions being raised over what steps are being taken to resolve financial disputes involving clubs operating within the state’s football structure.
Imo Strikers Queens is specifically asking the government and relevant authorities to intervene, arguing that the prolonged dispute is placing considerable financial strain on the club and affecting its ability to meet its obligations to players, coaches and officials.
The club maintains that it is not presenting a mere disputed financial claim, but an obligation which, according to its petition, was acknowledged in writing by Osun Babes.
It has consequently called on the Osun State Government to use its influence to facilitate an immediate resolution and prevent the matter from escalating further.
NWFL, NFF Also Asked to Act
Beyond the state authorities, Imo Strikers Queens has called 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.
The club has requested that any repayment proposal from Osun Babes be formally presented in writing and agreed upon by both parties.
It has also issued a 14-day deadline from the receipt of the petition for the ₦15 million to be paid or for both clubs to reach a mutually acceptable written settlement.
Failure to do so, the club warned, could trigger further action before the appropriate football regulatory bodies and competent courts.
A Test for Osun Football Administration
The dispute could now become a significant test of the Osun State Government’s commitment to accountability and good administration within the state’s football sector.
With the alleged debt dating back to an agreement connected to the 2025/2026 season, Imo Strikers Queens is demanding to know why a matter it says was already acknowledged in writing has remained unresolved.
The club has appealed to the Osun State Government and football authorities to urgently step in and bring the matter to a conclusion, warning that continued inaction could leave it with no option but to pursue available regulatory and legal remedies.
