Osun FA boss urges urgent government action as state teams face relegation threat

The Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Sola Fanawopo, has appealed for immediate government intervention to prevent the state’s male and female teams from slipping into relegation in their respective leagues, Sport360NG reports. 

Osun United, the state’s male side competing in the Nationwide League, is currently battling to retain its status after a difficult campaign. The team sits seventh in Group B of a 10-team table, leaving it within the relegation zone with only a handful of matches left to salvage its season.

Similarly, Osun Babes, the state-owned women’s team featuring in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League, are also enduring a poor run of form and risk dropping to a lower division if results do not improve.

Sources within Osun United, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the team must secure victories in their next three fixtures to stand any realistic chance of survival.

Reacting to the precarious situation, Fanawopo called for the direct involvement of 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, in Osogbo on Thursday, the FA chairman urged Adewusi to take decisive steps to address the challenges confronting the teams.

He attributed the struggles to poor player welfare, insufficient support, and declining operational standards, noting that these issues have significantly affected performance levels.

Fanawopo further stressed the need for the deputy governor to engage closely with the teams by inspecting facilities, visiting player accommodations, and attending matches to gain firsthand insight into the situation.

According to him, the current welfare conditions have dampened morale within both squads, placing them in serious danger of relegation.

He concluded by calling for swift and strategic measures to stabilise the teams, enhance player welfare, and safeguard the state’s football reputation.