Ahead of the 2020/2021 season of the Nigeria National League and in a renewed effort to ensure that lives of players and officials are adequately protected, the NNL leadership has reeled out important medical conditions aimed at safeguarding the fitness of players and officials on and off the pitch.

According to the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Emmanuel Adesanya, it has become imperative considering recent incidents of deaths recorded on the field of play and the harsh effects of 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

Mr Adesanya reiterated the provisions of the NNL rule book on the need for every club to have medical professionals which should comprise the following:

1. A medical doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and masseur for matches.

2. Clubs are to carry out a medical examination on all contract players and coaches and have medical records of which should be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of the League body.

3. Players’ medical record to other clubs during transfer and negotiation of a player by the club holding the player.

4. Clubs are to maintain a medical insurance scheme approved by the NNL.

5. Compulsory first aid medical services at every match venue, with clubs and their state Football Associations providing stretchers and Ambulances well equipped with basic medical gadgets.

6. Clubs will present a certificate of medical fitness of all players and coaching staff. Such certificate must be endorsed by a doctor with his contact details from a reputable and designated government-owned medical centre in the state.

It is worthy to note that the NNL is working to synergize with reputable government-approved medical centres to ensure absolute compliance by the clubs.