The Nigeria National League under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba says it will enforce the latter guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19 as the kick-off date for the League beckons, this is following nine new guidelines sent to its forty-six clubs.
The guidance, says that clubs will be required to take coronavirus tests for the players and team officials before the start of the new season, the result of which must be part of registration documents to be submitted to the NNL Secretariat before licenses can be issued.
The test must be repeated on a monthly basis to ensure a continuous check of the novel virus.
The clubs must provide face masks, hand sanitizers, and handwashing facilities in their various camps and home venues.
Clubs playing in the League must have all their players camped in designated places all through the season, and must not allow them have contacts with unauthorized persons. This means that there must be restrictions on players’ movements.
Other measures strictly spelled out by the NNL to fight the novel coronavirus is that Clubs must engage the services of a qualified medical doctor, who must be attached to the Team both in camp and at match venues.
On the side of State Football Associations, they are to ensure that all match officials assigned to officiate adhere to all Covid-l9 protocols.
*The stadium facilities and environments are disinfected every two weeks
* The clubs should liaise with the state Football Associations to ensure a well-equipped Ambulance is present at match venues with full compliments of medical staff.
*State Football Associations must ensure the provision of emergency medical room at all match venues.
The Nigeria Football Federation a few days ago set up a special Covid-19 Task Force led by its Security Committee Chairman and member of the Organising Committee for African Nations Championship (CHAN), Mr. Ibrahim Gusau, with a charge to work with the various domestic Leagues in the country, to monitor compliance with the Covid-19 protocols by all clubs at every level.
