The chairman of Club Owners Association and Chairman of Nasarawa United football club, Barrister Isaac Danladi has described as wishful thinking any demand for the NPFL title in the midst of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
Following the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19, the League management Company, LMC, on March 18, suspended indefinitely the 2019/2020 season after MatchDay 25.
Before the break, 2017 champions, Plateau United were leading the table with 49 points and were followed closely by Rivers United on 45 points.
It was therefore not a surprise that few days ago, the Technical Adviser of Plateau United was reported as saying if the present season is eventually erased by the coronavirus, his team should be handed the title.
The statement credited to the former Akwa United gaffer has generated mixed reactions with some football analysts saying a precedence was set in 2018 when the league ended abruptly and Lobi Stars were declared winners.
However, Danladi who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday on phone said it was too early for anyone to think of taking home the title as he maintained that the league organisers have not given anyone a reason to think in that direction.
He said everyone’s focus at the moment is on how to contain the fast spreading COVID-19 pandemic.
“First and foremost, I have not read the story but Plateau United is a club and even if that is coming from a club that is contending for the NPFL title, that is still wishful thinking.
“However, they have a right to feel so bearing in mind that a precedence had been set some two years ago but whatever is going to happen must be a collective decision.
“I can tell you on the part of the LMC that their body language has not betrayed anything. It has not shown anything. Instead they have told us that they have to take a cue from federal government, CAF and FIFA so we don’t know when the COVID-19 will end.
“It may not be practically possible for the league to resume. LMC have not said anything. They said they are monitoring situation. They are keeping in touch with CAF and FIFA so whatever decision we are going to take it must align with the larger platforms of football authorities in the world,” he concluded.
