The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was not left out of the activities affected by the Coronavirus pandemic as other sporting activities were suspended by the Federal Government.
The 2019/2020 NPFL season was halted back in March just like other major leagues and sporting events all around the world. Also, major leagues around the world resumed and continued their leagues (behind closed doors).
However, the NPFL season was eventually canceled due to the continued rise of Covid-19 cases in the country.
The majority of club chairmen (17 of them) voted the season to be canceled and final standings be decided on a points per game(PPG) basis. They also voted no promotion and relegation of any clubs. This was part of one of the four options proposed by the League Management Council (LMC).
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The PPG system was selected because a lot of clubs had outstanding games before the season was halted. This led to the cancellation of the 2019/2020 season after a maximum of 25 games. Plateau United emerged league winners with 1.96 points per game.
It was also decided that the top 3 clubs will emerge through the same PPG system. Therefore Plateau United, Enyimba (moved up to 2nd on the table) and Rivers United sealed third. They will represent the country in CAF inter-club competitions for the 2020/2021 season.
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Recent comments by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Sani Aliyu is not good news for the sport. It has cast serious doubt on the possibility of restarting any sporting activities anytime soon.
Since the current season prematurely ended, the clubs’ chairmen can focus on planning for the coming season. However, the resumption date is yet to be decided.
The proposed date for the 2020-21 NPFL Season
Meanwhile, the LMC recently sent a letter to all the clubs. The latter stated that 2020-21 NPFL has been proposed to kick off September ending or October. It proposed that it will come to an end in May 2021.
Since the date is subjected to approval by the government based on the advice of the health agencies, the proposed date looks uncertain.
However, with the gradual reopening of activities and COVID-19 becoming the new normal, it is possible that fans would be able to return to the stands to cheer their teams and adhere to the covid-19 protocols.
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