NPFL Set to Resume the League
As the President of Nigeria Mohammed Buhari gave the order to reopen all sports centres the Nigeria Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has notified the general public and especially sports lovers that no stadium will be open for games without strict adherence to the sports protocols, even as there must be the total implementation of the club licensing control before the new football season can resume.
According to Permanent Secretary of Sports Ministry Mr Gabriel Aduda, he said: “We are happy that the ban on sports has been lifted after so many months of inactivity due to the Covid-19 scourge. The Ministry is not oblivious of the challenges that would be encountered in organising football matches.” He also said: “We cannot take anything for granted. As a way of safeguarding the lives of our players, coaches, officials and fans, approval must be sought and given before any game is played. The Ministry would ensure that all protocols and guidelines are obeyed as directed by PTF and NCDC.”
The Sports Ministry has set up a COVID-19 monitoring and approval team which will make sure all clubs follow the protocols before any game can be played is played. Aduda warned that the Nigerian domestic league would not resume until basic conditions are fulfilled. He added: “We have a responsibility to enforce the implementation of the club licensing control as stipulated in the statutes setting up the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“The domestic League will not commence until the regulations and controls bothering on financial and licensing control are enforced.” He concluded by saying: “We have a responsibility to enforce the implementation of the club licensing control as stipulated in the statutes setting up the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The domestic League will not commence until the regulations and controls bothering on financial and licensing control are enforced.”