The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the cessation of all forms of football activities in the country for the next four weeks, as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic.
According to the country’s supreme football –governing body, the shutdown affects all on-field activities the various National Teams, the Nigeria Professional Football League, the other Leagues, youth football programmes and even street football.
President of the NFF Amaju Melvin Pinnick said the cessation will be for four weeks after which the situation will be reviewed in line with events and trends worldwide.
He also advised all members of the football family to observe the various safety precautions and conduct as advised by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, such as hand-washing, the use of sanitizers and social distancing.
As a result of the NFF’s directive, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has been suspended till further notice in line with global health preventive protocol against the Corona Virus Disease (COVID 19).
In suspending remaining league matches, the League Management Company (LMC) said it would review the decision after consulting the nation’s health authorities, namely, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC).
Matchday 25 fixtures were concluded yesterday and the LMC said the decision was to conform with the guidelines for containment of the spread of the global pandemic.
