By Our Correspondent

In a renewed effort to ensure that lives of players and officials are adequately protected, the management of Nigeria National League NNL has reeled out strong medical dictates to safeguard the fitness of the clubs both on and off the pitch of play as the 2020/2021 season gets underway next month, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

According to NNL Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya, he disclosed that the action has become imperative considering recent incidences of deaths recorded on the field of play and prevailing Covid-19 global pandemic.

“The Medical conditions are very clear on the rule books governing Association Football,it is a crusade that will ensure adequate medical facilities are provided at all times by Clubs in our League” he said

Mr. Adesanya reiterated the provisions of the NNL rule book on the need for every club to have medical professionals which should comprise: a medical Doctor, Nurse, Physiotherapist and a masseur for their matches.

Clubs are to carry out medical examination on all contract players and coaches and have medical records of which shall be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of the League body.

Making available players medical record to other clubs during transfer and negotiation of a player by the club holding such a player.

Clubs are to maintain a medical insurance scheme approved by the NNL.

Other guidelines include compulsory First Aid medical services at every match venue, with clubs and their State Football Associations providing stretchers and Ambulances well equipped with basic medical gadgets.

Clubs will present certificate of medical fitness of all players and coaching cabinet, such certificate must be endorsed by a doctor with his contact details from a reputable and designated government owned medical centre in their state.

It is worthy to note that the NNL is working to synergize with reputable government approved medical centre to ensure absolute compliance by the clubs.

Mr. Adesanya however,warned that none compliance by clubs will not be treated with kids gloves.