The Chairman of the Osun State Football Association has appealed for urgent government action to prevent the state’s two football teams from being relegated.
Osun United, the male team competing in the Nationwide League, is currently battling relegation. The team sits seventh in Group B, which comprises 10 teams, placing it among the bottom three that risk dropping unless results improve in upcoming fixtures.
Similarly, Osun Babes, the female team participating in the Women’s Premier League, is also facing difficulties and could be demoted following a series of poor performances.
Sources within Osun United, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, revealed that the team must secure victories in its next three matches to retain its Nationwide League status.
Reacting to the situation, the Osun FA Chairman, Sola Fanawopo, stressed the need for immediate intervention by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, who also serves as the State Commissioner for Sports.
In a statement issued by the association’s media officer, Seyi Akaani, and obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, Fanawopo urged Adewusi to step in quickly to prevent relegation.
He said, “Both state-owned teams are currently battling relegation in their respective leagues due to poor welfare, inadequate support, and declining operational standards.
“It is important for the Honourable Deputy Governor to take a hands-on approach, visit the players’ hostels, inspect team buses, and attend matches to fully understand how critical the situation has become.”
He further noted that the “current state of player welfare has negatively affected morale and performance, putting both teams at serious risk.”
Fanawopo therefore called for immediate and decisive measures to stabilise the teams, improve welfare conditions, and maintain Osun State’s standing in football.
