Setbacks begin as NFF crisis impedes resumption of NPFL

Due to the crisis ravaging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been forced to postpone its resumption indefinitely.

Days after the Super Eagles crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the FIFA-banned Chris Giwa’s board unseated the Amaju Pinnick-led board at the helm of the Football house.

This is a fresh episode of the tussle that began back in 2014 which almost cost Nigeria its membership among footballing nations under FIFA, and could also result to same this time around.

The NPFL which has been on break for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was earlier expected to resume this Wednesday with match day 25 actions across nine centres.

But late on Monday, the Club Owners Association announced a postponement in the resumption date, which was later confirmed by the League Management Company (LMC).

Their statements explained that Sponsors, partners and service providers are expressing concerns and reviewing their involvement as a result of the confusion in the administration of football in the country.

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The club owners association, through a statement by its executive secretary, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said: “I am directed to bring to the notice of all members and clubs that the resumption date of the 2017/2018 season earlier scheduled for Wednesday 18th July 2018 has be put on hold

“Consequently, the league resumption date has been postponed indefinitely until further notice.

“This postponement is as a result of some unresolved issues amongst the stakeholders within the football circle,” the statement read.

An LMC statement followed thus: “Kindly be informed that the League Management Company (LMC) has reached a decision to postpone the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely.

“The decision is based on the current adverse circumstances in the administration of football in the country as a result of which sponsors, partners and service providers have expressed strong concerns and are reviewing their involvement in the league

“There is therefore the need to engage them further in this regard in order to mitigate against any possible adverse outcome. Furthermore, organizing matches of the NPFL under the current circumstances might cause irreversible damage to the League brand”, the statement noted.

It is yet to be known what steps will be taken by the world football governing body in bringing this tussle to a final rest.

But as it stands, the Chris Giwa board are in charge of the football house in Abuja, and even more setbacks are expected within the country’s football as the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, Falconets and other national teams may also be affected.

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