The Nigerian Women Football League has postponed fixtures of match-day five after the clubs in the topflight division failed to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 testing rules.

A statement issued by the NWFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Faith Ben-Anuge, the clubs have been given January 11 deadline ahead of the league resumption on January 13.

“In view of the non-compliance of clubs towards the conduct COVID-19 tests of their players and officials as directed by the Nigerian Football Federation, we kindly write to inform you of shift in date of the NWFL matches for match-day five, which will now hold January 13 across the states,” the statement read.

“All NWFL clubs are given one week to conduct COVID-19 tests on their team (players and officials) and results scanned and forwarded to the secretariat on or before January 11. Defaulting clubs will be disqualified.”

Saturday PUNCH can report that players and officials of NWFL sides Sunshine Queens and Bayelsa Queens have undergone the compulsory COVID-19 tests ahead of the week-five matches.

Speaking after the tests, the Chairman of Bayelsa Queens, Robin Apreala, urged the players to adhere strictly to all the preventive measures of COVID-19.

Bayelsa Queens currently lead the NWFL with maximum 12 points from their opening four games, while FC Robo are three points adrift.  Rivers Angels, Edo Queens and Osun Babes complete the top five.

Bayelsa Queens tops the table with maximum 12 points from four matches