By Amaechi Agbo

Hours after Nigeria sports stakeholders particularly journalist began campaign on social media on the need for the federal government to reopen contact sports 8 months after lockdown, the minister of youth and sports development has given hint that contact sports will be reopened soon, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

On Wednesday, October 14, Nigeria sports journalists, players, coaches, referees began a social media campaign calling on the sports minister to mount pressure on the federal government to reopen contact sports.

The campaign which was carried out in various social media platforms yielded dividends almost immediately as the minister released a statement that contact sports in the country will be reopened soon.

In the release, the minister rekindled hope   for the resumption of all contacts sports including football, even as all Covid-19 protocols must be complied with. 

The Federal Government, it could be recalled suspended all sporting activities  in March following  the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic.  The Ministry is however  insisting on full compliance  with  all covid-19 protocol before  the organisation  of any sports  event  once the ban  on sports  activities is lifted by PTF. 

According  to  the  statement  from the Ministry, plans have been  concluded for the return of  all sporting events including football subject to the approval of the Presidential Task Force  on Covid-19.

“We are hopeful that the re-opening of all sports will be shortly upon us. The Ministry has done all that’s necessary and required especially with regard to the COVID-19 protocols. The PTF, Health Ministry and NCDC have guided appropriately. A bit of Patience. Sports lovers.

the campaign, #LiftBanonSportsNow has gone viral on social media and the group has vowed not to relent until the needful is done. some of the campaigns by the stakeholders read:

Dear minister of sports, Sunday Dare kindly inform the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to lift the ban on Sports.

Most sports Federations have put up safety precautions in curbing the spread of COVID-19

LiftBanOnSports

LiftBanOnContactSports

@SundayDareSD
@MBuhari
@DigiCommsNG

CAF Club competitions get underway on 27th November 2020 and our clubs (Plateau United, Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Rivers United) are yet to start preparations for the big tasks ahead.

LiftBanOnSports

LiftBanOnContactSports

@SundayDareSD
@MBuhari
@DigiCommsNG

The U17 and U20 teams (Men & Women) have qualifiers starting from next TWO WEEKS! Opponents have gone far in preparation. We risk wasting four different generations if we DON’T ACT FAST!

LiftBanOnSports

LiftBanOnContactSports

@SundayDareSD
@MBuhari
@DigiCommsNG