March 19 – Nigeria has become the latest country to suspend all football activities in the global fight against the coronavirus.
The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) imposed the measures, which will run for four weeks at least, after the number of confirmed cases in the country increased from three to eight.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the cessation of all forms of football activities in the country for the next four weeks, as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic,” wrote the NFF in a statement.
It continued: “The shutdown affects all on-field activities the various National Teams, the Nigeria Professional Football League, the other Leagues, youth football programmes and even street football.”
The latest development will also have a ripple effect on Nigeria’s Women’s professional league. The competition was due to get underway next week, but administrative reasons led to a postponement.
Nigeria is one of several African countries to halt its football because of the global pandemic. Earlier, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco and Senegal suspended all football and sports competitions. In Africa, at least 30 countries have confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734852531labto1734852531ofdlr1734852531owedi1734852531sni@o1734852531fni1734852531