The Nigeria Football Federation has issued an update on their stance relating to professional football league potential return to action amid the ongoing suspension due to the coronavirus.
Football in the country has been suspended for nine weeks since COVID-19 outbreak caused substantial health concerns to stakeholders in Nigeria.
The worldwide pandemic has since forced African countries such as Cameroon, Kenya, Angola and DR Congo to declare the abrupt end to their domestic seasons, while the likes of Uganda Premier League and Ghana Premier League have yet to reach a definitive resolution.
Locally, Nigeria Football Federation has decided that any proposed return to action will not be considered until such a time that the national government decides it is safe to proceed.
“The Executive Committee once more, commended the proactive and comprehensive policies, strategies and measures instituted by the Federal Government to definitively tackle the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) that has left pain and sorrow in most nations of the world in the past couple of months,” read a statement posted on NFF website.
“Members equally praised the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, all first responders and all other public health workers in the frontline for their efforts in reducing community transmission and saving lives.
“The Board mandated its football committee to liaise with the heads of the various Leagues (Nigeria Professional Football League; Nigeria National League; Nigeria Women Football League and; Nigeria Nation-wide League One) and other important stakeholders on the return of the domestic football season, subject to the announcement by the Federal Government on the resumption of football and other sporting activities in the country.”
The Nigeria Professional Football League was suspended after Match Day 25, with 2017 champions Plateau United leading the log after accruing 49 points, leaving Rivers United and Lobi Stars n the second and third places, respectively.
