Amidst growing calls by sports enthusiasts, sportsmen and women for ban to be lifted on contact sports, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has raised hope for its resumption, but wants all Covid-19 protocols be complied with.
This also includes football, especially the leagues.
The Federal Government had suspended all sporting activities in March, following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stadiums and sports centres all over the nation have been under lock and key since then.
The Ministry is however, insisting on full compliance with all Covid-19 protocols before the organisation of any sports event, once the ban on sporting activities is lifted by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.
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 National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have guided appropriately.
Feelers indicated that announcement for resumption of contact sports would likely be made tomorrow, Thursday October 15th, and this is expected to bring succour to millions of sports stakeholders in the face of an unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, since March.
The Federal Government had earlier announced partial opening of sports, especially the non- contact sports.
That’s great news to Nigeria sports men and Women