By Daily Sports on May 1, 2020
President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has revealed the body is consulting with the government on the resumption of football.
Football activities were suspended in March including the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) following the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
The government imposed a total lockdown on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun in an effort to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The virus has claimed 51 lives in Nigeria while 1,728 cases have been confirmed.
The government has, however, announced plans to ease restrictions in the three states from May 4 and Pinnick has revealed the federation is in discussion with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to determine when football activities will resume.
“It has been a difficult few months for everybody, with the spread of this novel coronavirus, and it has hit us in the Nigerian football community especially hard,” he tweeted.
“I have to applaud the government’s efforts to stem the spread while appealing that we all continue to listen to federal and state health directives on social distancing and personal hygiene.
“However, with the Federal Government’s plan to slowly ease restrictions from May 4, I have gotten a few enquiries about the resumption of football in the country.
“As much as we all want football to resume, it is not as important as life and public health. So we will be having consultations with the health ministry and Fifa, and more importantly, waiting for the go-ahead from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development before any sort of football will be played.
“These are unprecedented times. From sponsors to federations and clubs; the future will be tough indeed. But I’m confident that we will all pull through this, as long as we listen to health advisories from our government.
“I’m in constant contact with our footballers and administrators and everybody is confident we all will pull through these times. Again, I would like to thank every Nigerian for their patience and assure all of us that Nigerian football, my primary constituency, will weather this storm.
“Let’s always remember to wash our hands with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 seconds, use face masks when going outside and maintain social distancing.
“Thank you Nigeria, for your continued support and criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation. God protect and keep us all.” (Goal)
•PHOTO: NFF President Amaju Pinnick
Source Daily Sports
Posted May 1, 2020
You may also like...
Burundi To Continue Playing League Football Despite Threat...
England can win World Cup in Russia: New...
First start, first goal!
Juventus kicked me out to sign Ronaldo —...
Ramos aids Sevilla end Madrid’s 40 match unbeaten...
Sanchez lifts Arsenal to dramatic win

D’Tigress begin US tour with historic Sparks clash
Tinubu congratulates basketball star Anosike on NBL title, MVP award in China
NSC announces UK trials for diaspora athletes
Adams calls for urgent reset in Nigerian football
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
NFF opens talks with Osula over Eagles switch
Brume, Okezie join global stars for Kip Keino Classic
NPFL confirms May 24 season end date
NCF proposes elite cricket league
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup — Report
Gala intensify Osimhen’s special recovery plan
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,727 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,051 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,984 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,575 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,504 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,403 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,254 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,800 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,988 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,497 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,912 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,375 views)