The much-expected new season of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will now commence officially on the 13th of January, while the lower division, Nigerian National League (NNL) Super-8 will start on the 3rd of same month.
Sports247.ng reports that this is sequel to a directive on Friday by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) emergency committee, which took note of appeals by clubs in both tiers of the league.
A press release by the NFF information department revealed further that League Management Company (LMC) has been advised to ensure the commencement of the season not later than 13th January 2019.
This is contained in a statement the NFF Emergency Committee released on Friday, in reaction to letters received from NNL clubs that qualified for the Super-8 promotion play-off.
The clubs complained that their teams are depleted and they do not have enough players to prosecute the contest, as earlier scheduled, which would have enabled the NPFL to commence on 30th December.
Three clubs that showed up in Aba as directed will each get N2,000,000 in compensation, while the matter of the five that failed to show would be referred to the relevant NFF committee to deal with.
The NFF stated further in part: “Following the directive to the eight clubs qualified for the Super 8 Tournament of the Nigeria National League to proceed to Aba for the tournament.
“We received letters from clubs to the effect that they presently do not have enough players to prosecute the tournament.
“Apparently, most clubs in the country’s Leagues sign a good number of their players for only one season.
“These personnel appear to have floated to other clubs in search of greener pastures.
“In view of the above, and the contrite tone of their letters, the NFF Emergency Committee has opted to allow the affected clubs two weeks to recruit players.
“(That will give them time) to beef up their playing personnel, after which they will then prosecute the Super 8.
“The NNL should therefore pick new dates not later than 3rd January for the tournament.”
