NPFL Club Chairman Asks LMC To Cancel League
Chairman of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, Nasarawa United, Isaac Danladi has asked the League Management Company, LMC to terminate the 2019/2020 season which has been in suspension since March 19 due to the ravaging coronavirus, Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands.
The LMC is in the spotlight over the restart of the NPFL, which was suspended on March 18 after match-day 25, due to COVID-19.
Nasarawa United chairman, Isaac Danladi, stated that it would be a herculean task for clubs to meet the conditions of completing the season, bearing in mind that players and officials would undergo several COVID-19 tests.
Speaking with The Punch, the Mr Danladi who was recently recalled to his position by the state governor, said that “Aside from the testing of players and the cost, are the kits available? Why are we in a hurry to restart the league? The projection is that the vaccine will be available to all from November. A very sensible country that does not have quality health facilities will wait until they can handle such,” Danladi said
“That’s my stand, and anyone who advocates for the league to start now does not mean well for the players at all. The Federal Government is struggling to curtail the virus. COVID-19 is an unseen enemy.
“Do we love football more than those countries that cancelled their league? France, Belgium and Holland are some of the European countries who called off their football leagues.
“Some states are also battling to pay salaries and they are thinking of restarting the league. Let’s play football only when it’s safe,” he added.
Kwara United General manager, Bashir Badawi, also expressed doubts about the restart, stating that health should matter more than football.
He said, “What is happening now is scary. In Delta State, the Stephen Keshi Stadium has been turned to an isolation centre, which means we don’t know when the pandemic will end and you say we should go and play football.
“Lots of countries in Africa have cancelled their leagues. If they insist on the (NPFL) restart, when are the players going to get prepared? I don’t think it’s safe. We must be careful in what we preach especially when it comes to health matters.
“The issue of football should not be discussed at all, at least for now, health should be the priority.”
On the league restart, Dakada chairman, Aniedi Dickson, added, “That will depend on the LMC’s decision, but they have to ensure all measures to play safe are adopted.”
Abia Warriors Chairman, Emeka Iyama, stated that he would adhere strictly to any decision taken by the LMC.
“I’m part of the club owners’ board, so I will support whatever decision they agree on,” Iyama said.