NNL Reels Out Medical Conditions For Clubs Ahead 2020/2021 Season

By Sodiq Yusuf

In a bid to safeguard the lives of players on and off the pitch, the management of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has reeled out stringent medical conditions for clubs participating in the 2020/2021 season.

NNL Chief Operating Officer, Emmanuel Adesanya, told journalists the move became imperative, considering recent incidences of death recorded on the field of play and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Medical conditions are very clear on the rule books governing Association Football, it is a crusade that will ensure adequate medical facilities are provided at all times by Clubs in our League” he said.

Adesanya reiterated the provisions of the NNL rule book on the need for every club to have medical professionals, which should comprise a medical doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and a masseur for their matches.

Other conditions include: “Clubs are to carry out medical examinations on all contract players and coaches and have medical records of which shall be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of the League body.”

The conditions also include: “making available players’ medical record to other clubs during transfer and negotiation of a player by the club holding such a player. Clubs are to maintain a medical insurance scheme approved by the NNL.

“Compulsory First Aid medical services at every match venues, with clubs and their state football associations providing stretchers and Ambulances, well equipped with basic medical gadgets.”

While warning that there are sanctions for erring clubs, Adesanya added that “Clubs will present certificates of medical fitness of all players and coaching cabinet, such certificates must be endorsed by a doctor with his contact details from a reputable and designated government-owned medical centre in their state.”