Ladan Bosso, Technical Adviser of struggling Nigeria Premier Football League side, Bayelsa United, has been warned by the Bayelsa State Government, owners and financiers of the 2010 NPFL winners, to “shape up or ship out,” Completesports.com reports.
Fondly called “50-50” by his admirers, Bosso has been given only two games to secure his role as head coach or face dismissal.
Bayelsa United currently sit in the relegation zone of the 2024/2025 domestic top flight, rooted in 18th position with 10 points from 10 games.
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Displeased with the club’s poor performance, the government feels the team’s current standing is not a fair reflection of its investment, nor an acceptable reward for their support. They are prepared to take strong action if the team’s fortunes do not improve over the next two matches.
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Enyimba in Yenagoa in last Sunday’s Match Day 10 fixture, Bosso faces the difficult task of upstaging second-placed Rivers United in a Match Day 11 clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, Omagba, near Port Harcourt in a ‘South-South Derby’. This will be followed by a home fixture against the “Chanji Boys,” Katsina United, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa – matches that may determine his future at the club.
On Tuesday, the Bayelsa State Government conducted a review and decided to issue Bosso a two-game ultimatum.
Dr. Daniel Igali, former wrestler and now Commissioner for Sports in the state, whose ministry oversees the club and other sports, delivered a stern two-game ultimatum to Bosso and the coaching staff of Bayelsa United.
Completesports.com understands that, beyond the club’s disappointing season, Bosso may have further angered the government with remarks that the Commissioner for Sports deemed “reckless.” Dr. Igali reportedly directed the club chairman to “discipline” Bosso over his comments.
In a statement from the club’s media department, Dr. Igali explained that the ultimatum became necessary due to the team’s continued failure to win matches, stressing that the government cannot sit idly by as the team’s performance worsens despite their support.
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“The two-game ultimatum begins this weekend against Rivers United and Katsina United. Failure to secure victories in both games will result in the dismissal of the entire technical crew,” Igali stated.
“Any player not meeting standards should also be shown the exit,” he added.
Igali emphasised that the governor has warned that if Bayelsa United is relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), the team will be disbanded.
“This team has only two games to climb out of the relegation zone. If we fail, it will affect not only the technical adviser but the entire team,” Igali said.
Dr. Igali also condemned Bosso’s post-match remarks following the Enyimba fixture, where he allegedly criticised the government for delays in player clearance, suggesting favouritism towards Bayelsa Queens.
Incensed by what he called “a careless comment,” Igali instructed the club chairman, Dr. Tarilaye Nwankwe, to discipline Bosso or face government sanctions, stating that a coach publicly criticising the government is “unacceptable” to the Prosperity Administration.
By Sab Osuji
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