The leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season will be completed within six to eight weeks after the pandemic.
This was made known to news men in a statement signed by Ayodele Olu Ibidapo, Assistant Media Officer, NFF. Fides gathered that the league was suspended indefinitely on March 18 after Match day 25, to contain the spread of Covid-19 that has paralyzed sporting activities in the country and the world at large.
As of Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Nigeria has recorded 2950 cases of the virus with 481 recoveries and 98 deaths so far.
The football governing board in the federation suspended football activities for over a month now after March 15 declaration, while some parts of the country have been placed under lockdown.
However, there is no definite resumption date yet, although the management of NFF admitted that a new format might be adopted depending on the time available and instructions from health and security agencies.
‘The current football season will be concluded within six to eight weeks of the re-opening of the country and a clear go-ahead by the relevant authorities is obtained to commence football activities,’ the statement read in parts.
‘The format to be adopted upon the resumption of football activities regarding the completion of the various Leagues and Cup competition will be determined by the time available, health and security guidelines, as well as decisions by global football authorities on the football calendar and international competitions (CAF and FIFA).
‘NFF will constantly review the football calendar as the issues develop and periodically keep stakeholders informed on proposals and plans.
‘The NFF has mandated the Leagues to work to ensure players, coaches and other employees’ salaries are protected and should liaise with club owners to ensure players are paid accordingly.
‘That the domestic league must be protected to ensure its commercial viability is sustained and the competition’s integrity upheld both in the current circumstances and post Covid-19 pandemic,’ the statement read.
Meanwhile it will be recalled that Plateau United still sits top of the league with 49 points after 25 matches while Rivers United and Lobi Stars follow in the second and third spots respectively.
