Bayelsa United demands large sum from Ladan Bosso over move to Barau FC

The management of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Bayelsa United has officially confirmed the abrupt departure of their Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso.

Bayelsa United has described the Bosso’s actions as a “brazen show of disrespect and arrogance,” and is now seeking N30 million in damages for breach of contract.

The controversy began when newly promoted Barau FC of Kano announced and unveiled Bosso as their new coach for the upcoming football season.

This announcement, according to Bayelsa United’s management and supporters, came as a “shock,” as they believed Bosso was simply on a scheduled holiday.

Multiple sources indicate that Barau FC offered a lucrative deal to double his pay package to the former Nigeria’s U-20, Flying Eagles head coach.

In a strongly worded petition to the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Bayelsa United’s Chairman, Nwakwe Tarilaye, accused Bosso of “absconding from duty without any form of communication.”

The letter, titled “Notification of Abscondment from Duty by Ladan Bosso,” stated:

“It is now public knowledge that Ladan Bosso has contracted a new deal with newly promoted Barau FC of Kano when he has a subsisting contract with us.”

The club’s management emphasized that Bosso’s conduct is particularly egregious given his position as the head of the Coaches Association, and that it reflects a brazen manifestation of arrogance and disrespect to the government and people of Bayelsa State.

“His conduct being President of the Coaches Association only speaks to a brazen manifestation of arrogance and disrespect to the government and people of Bayelsa State.

“The action of Bosso is not only embarrassing but also a distortion of our preparation for the 2025/2026 NFFL season. Mr.Bosso has violated the terms of his contract with the club.

Consequently, it is our considered stand that Mr Ladan Isah Bosso be made to pay damages of N30 million for breach of contract and serve as a deterrent to other coaches.”

Bosso also serves as the President of the Nigeria Coaches Association and is a former Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team.

The sudden exit has not only caused a major distraction but has also thrown a wrench into Bayelsa United’s preparations for the 2025/2026 NFFL season. As a consequence, the club has taken a firm stance, demanding that Bosso be made to pay a damages fee of N30 million. The club’s petition states this is a “considered stand” to not only compensate for the breach of contract but also to “serve as a deterrent to other coaches” who might consider similar unprofessional actions in the future.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has also weighed in on the matter, advising the club to formally report the matter to the NFF before beginning the search for a new coach.

Ladan Bosso had previously guided Bayelsa United through a tough 2024/2025 NFFL season, helping them secure a 10th-place finish and avoid relegation.

The NFF is now expected to mediate the dispute and decide on the appropriate course of action regarding the alleged breach of contract.