By Gabriel Kekong
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has issued nine additional COVID-19 guidelines to its 46 clubs preparing for the kick off of the 2020/21 season, saying it will enforce the guidelines to protect against the spread of the pandemic.
The NNL Chairman, Senator Joseph Obbina Ogba said as part of the new guidelines clubs will be required to carry out coronavirus tests for the players and team officials before the commencement of the new season , adding that the result of which must be part of registration documents to be submitted to the NNL Secretariat before licenses are issued.
Secondly, he said the test must be repeated on a monthly basis to ensure continuous check of the novel virus.
He also said that the clubs must provide face masks, hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities in their various camps and home venues.
According to him, “Clubs playing in the League must have all their players camped in designated centers all through the season, and must not allow them to have contacts with unauthorized persons. This means that there must be restriction of players’ movements.
“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.”
NNL stated that the stadium facilities and environments are disinfected every two weeks, while insisting
that 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 rooms at all match venues,” the statement said.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation had 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.
