Sikiru Alimi, a prominent striker for Remo Stars, recently achieved a significant victory in a legal battle against his former club, Shooting Stars FC (3SC) of Ibadan. The dispute centered around unpaid entitlements totaling N1.5 million, a loan fee stipulated in Alimi’s contract with 3SC for the 2022/2023 season. After a thorough review of the case, the Nigeria Football Federation Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee ruled in favor of Alimi, ordering 3SC to pay the outstanding amount in three equal installments. This decision marks a crucial win for player rights within Nigerian football and underscores the importance of contractual agreements. The successful resolution also allows Alimi to focus on his current playing commitments with Remo Stars and the Nigerian national team.
The legal proceedings unfolded after Alimi, having fulfilled his contractual obligations during his loan spell at 3SC, claimed that the agreed-upon loan fee of N1.5 million remained unpaid. Represented by Iseri Ogbemudia of Myron Sports, Alimi took the matter to the NFF’s arbitration committee. 3SC, in their defense, argued that the loan fee had been integrated into Alimi’s monthly salary payments. However, this claim was refuted by the committee after examining the bank statements provided by Alimi, which demonstrated that only N500,000 was reflected in his monthly earnings during his time at the club. This discrepancy formed the basis of the committee’s decision to uphold Alimi’s claim.
The arbitration committee, acknowledging that Alimi had fully honored his contractual obligations, ordered 3SC to pay the outstanding N1.5 million. The payment schedule was structured in three installments of N500,000 each, due in April, May, and June of 2025. This structured payment plan aimed to ensure that Alimi received his due compensation while also allowing 3SC a reasonable timeframe to fulfill its financial obligations. The ruling serves as a precedent, reinforcing the importance of contractual transparency and adherence within the Nigerian football league system.
Following the ruling, 3SC complied with the committee’s decision and remitted the full N1.5 million to Alimi. This prompt payment was confirmed by Alimi’s legal representative, Iseri Ogbemudia, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome and emphasized the importance of upholding players’ rights. The successful resolution of this case underscores the effectiveness of the NFF’s arbitration process in addressing contractual disputes and ensuring fair treatment for players within the Nigerian football league.
The timing of this legal victory coincides with a period of significant professional success for Alimi. He played a pivotal role in Remo Stars’ historic achievement of securing their first-ever NPFL title, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and impactful striker. In addition to his club achievements, Alimi has also earned a place in the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He featured prominently in Nigeria’s Unity Cup victory in London and subsequently traveled to Moscow for an international friendly match against Russia. The resolution of the contractual dispute allows Alimi to fully concentrate on his national team duties without the distraction of ongoing legal proceedings.
This case highlights the importance of robust contractual agreements and fair treatment of players within professional football. The NFF’s arbitration process played a crucial role in ensuring that Alimi received the compensation he was rightfully owed, setting a positive precedent for future player contract disputes. The successful resolution allows Alimi to focus on his burgeoning career, both at the club and international levels, and reinforces the importance of contractual integrity within the Nigerian football league. The outcome serves as a reminder to clubs of their obligations to players and emphasizes the mechanisms available for players to seek redress in cases of contractual breaches.
