Covid-19: Nigeria Professional Leagues Roll Out New Calendar

Covid-19: Nigeria Professional Leagues Roll Out New Calendar

By Editor

The Nigerian Football Federation and the management boards in charge of the men and women leagues on Friday announced a new time frame for the conclusion of the 2019/2020 season of the Men and Women Professional Leagues.

At a meeting presided over by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare on Thursday, April 16, 2020, it was concluded that the current football season will be concluded within 6-8 weeks of the re-opening of the country and a clear go-ahead by the relevant authorities is obtained to commence football activities.

The meeting done via video conferencing which had in attendance the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, the NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NWFL Aisha Falode and NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi discussed effects of the disruptions of the football calendar and the need to protect the domestic football industry.

The Minister said in in view of the Coronavirus pandemic that has practically paralysed the sports industry, it is imperative to assess its impact on the domestic sports industry including football and consider strategies for charting a new course for football in the post-COVID-19 era.

He reiterated the need for NFF to keep the stakeholders, including the Government and private sector, duly informed on the steps being taken so they can consider interventions to protect the industry.

In the men’s top flight, most of the teams have played 25 games while clubs like Enyimba have played 20 games and Rangers with 24 games because of continental activities.

Currently, Plateau United are topping the table with 49 points from 25 games while Rivers United and Lobi Stars are second and third with 45 and 43 points respectively.

For the Aisha Falode led Women League board that recently unveiled its new logo, the commencement of the season was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is left to be seen whether the 2020 league season can be concluded within 8 weeks.

It was unanimously agreed that the format to be adopted for 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 football calendar and international competitions (CAF and FIFA).

Meanwhile, the NFF has pledged to constantly review the football calendar as the issues develop and periodically keep stakeholders informed on proposals and plans. The body also mandated the Leagues to ensure players, coaches and other employees’ salaries are protected and liaise with club owners to ensure players are paid accordingly.