Former Coach of Messiah Football Club of Lagos, Anthony Ushurhe says he his supporting Nigeria Football Professional League, NPFL, to kick off 27 December across all centers with little fans at the stadium.
The Nigerian-born coach who is based in American in a chat with our correspondent said there is no reason Nigerian football league should not kick off as planned, noting that many countries in the world especially in the western world that have high level of COVID-19 cases had started their league long time ago.
He said if Nigeria fails to kick off the league, it would not only affect the players’ market value but it would also affect the clubs that are representing the country at the CAF club championships.
“You can see what happened recently to Plateau United at the CAF Champions League, they were knocked out by a Tanzania club in the first match.
“The same things happened to Kano Pillars who failed to qualify in CAF competition despite their pre season friendlies. Only Rivers United and Enyimba FC were struggled to reach the second round. So there is need for us to start the league and the organizers should ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are strictly observed before, during and after the league matches,” he said.
Ushurhe, who is currently handling U-16 Arsenal football team that are playing in the Junior Premier League in the USA, advised the league organizers to reduce the numbers of fans that would watch the league matches to avoid spreading of the deadly disease.
He also said there is need for fans to adhere to COVID-19 public safety protocols at the match venues, adding that any fan who fails to abide by the rules should be sanctioned and punish accordingly.
“The only things the league organizers shuld do is to ensure that all the covid-19 public safety protocols are being observed. The few fans that would come to the stadium should wear their face masks and sanitize their hands before coming to the. stadiums. Aside this, the fans should also maintain social distancing during and after the matches. If we can do all these, the better for the country,” he said.
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