NNL Clubs raise red flag over Kano centre as venue for playoffs

Posted : 02 August 2023

A coalition of Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs on Tuesday raised concerns over the choice of Kano as the venue for the Relegation Playoff for the eight teams

Africa Sport Network (ASN) reports that the management of NNL led by its Chairman, George Aluo, had opted to play the 2022/23 season’s NNL relegation playoff from August 6 to 10 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Aluo commended Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for accepting to host the event, describing the gesture as a huge boost for the development of the national league, which remains the main foundation of Nigerian football.

However, the clubs in a joint statement tactically opposed the choice of venue raising health concerns and other logistics issues.

The statement reads

``Our health concern and Stand about the relegation playoff in Kano.

``We, the eight teams billed to take part in the relegation playoffs in Kano, bring you our sporting regards. As everyone is aware from a memo sent by the Nigerian National League last week reminding all designated clubs about the playoffs, venue and date.

``We received such notice with mixed feelings. Despite the economic situation in the country, which is affecting every sector. In spite and despite this economic situation, we have mauling on this decision to take part in this playoffs but the choice of Kano is of great concern to us not only economically but more so health wise.

``Like we are aware, Diphtheria has been an outbreak of great concern in our country that even the Nigerian Center For Disease Control (NCDC) has put it on high priority.

``In Nigeria as of June 2023, 798 of Diphtheria cases have been confirmed and 80 deaths were recorded. In June about 439 of suspected cases came alone from KANO of which 160 were later confirmed. In July already, 130 additional cases have been confirmed even before the month ended.

``Diphtheria is a very deadly ailment and the mode of contamination is very simple.

``This really worries us as it has been confirmed that Kano is the epicenter of this outbreak.

``In a report from the Punch and Vanguard newspaper over the weekend, Kano state is seeking FG support to help them battle the outbreak as it seems to be overwhelming them.

``This is our major concern about sending our respective contingents to Kano.

``Also part of our concerns is that this arranged playoffs has gone beyond the football calender by almost three months.

``The financial implications to both government and private clubs are many. A lot of clubs are already focusing on preparing for a new season.

``Eight teams have already been relegated and we don't see the need for this arrangement at this time.

``The Choice of Kano as far as proximity is concerned and its financial undertones especially for private owners can be overwhelming.

``Then the safety of contingents that will be travelling. None of these club sides can afford to fly their players plus the phobia of traveling by roads amidst high insecurity alert is worrying and troubling.

Here are our prayers.

``We will appreciate if the NNL as a body either postpone to enable ample time to vaccinate contingents of different teams or consider another venue to host this playoffs.

``We will not want a situation where our players and management staff will be exposed to this deadly disease.

``If NNL can as well cancel this arrangement outrightly for footballing reasons.

``We also appeal to the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau to consider this request. No football tournament is worth risking the health and life of any player.

NNL Clubs raise red flag over Kano centre as venue for playoffs

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