Bayelsa United petitions NFF over Coach Ladan Bosso’s abrupt departure to Barau FC

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Bayelsa United Football Club has lodged a formal complaint with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing Technical Adviser Ladan Isah Bosso of absconding from his role to join Kano-based Barau FC, an action the club calls a “disrespectful and arrogant” breach of contract.

In a letter titled “Notification of Abscondment from Duty by Ladan Bosso,” signed by Chairman Nwakwe Tarilaye, the club alleged that Bosso, 57, abandoned ongoing pre-season preparations for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season without communication.

The petition claims Bosso, who guided Bayelsa United to 10th place in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, signed a new deal with newly promoted Barau FC, which recently announced him as their Technical Adviser.

“It is now public knowledge that Ladan Bosso has contracted a new deal with Barau FC of Kano while under a subsisting contract with us,” the petition stated, demanding N30 million in damages for breach of contract to serve as a deterrent to other coaches.

The club described Bosso’s actions, particularly as President of the Nigeria Coaches Association, as disruptive to their season preparations.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, aware of the situation, directed the club to report the matter to the NFF before seeking a replacement coach, sources confirmed during a recent State Executive Council meeting.

The development stunned Bayelsa United’s management and supporters, who were unaware of Bosso’s plans, believing he was on holiday.

Reports suggest Barau FC enticed Bosso with a significantly higher salary.

Neither Bosso nor Barau FC could be reached for comment. The NFF has yet to issue a response to the petition.