Ahead of resumption of the new football season, Lobi Stars of Makurdi have become the first club in the Nigerian topflight to have their players and officials tested for COVID-19.
Daily Trust can report that players and officials of the Benue State owned football club had their samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday for COVID-19 test at the Benue state University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, in Makurdi.
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Apart from the players and members of the technical crew, other management staff of the club led by the Vice-Chairman, Mike Idoko also had their samples taken.
The Media Officer of the club, Austin Tyowua quoted Idoko as saying the decision to have players, officials and management team of the club tested for the deadly virus is in line with the NCDC and LMC protocols in preparation for the new season which is slated for September/October.
“As you are aware, the NCDC and Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 have outlined health protocols to be followed for football leagues in the country to resume.
“So what we have done is to comply in order to qualify to take part in the league.
“This is compulsory for everyone in Lobi Stars, beginning from the players, officials, board members and management staff.”
He also commended the staff of the isolation centre at Benue State University Teaching Hospital for attending to the players despite the ongoing doctors’ strike.
Furthermore, Idoko said Lobi Stars have since put behind them the disappointment of last season, in which Lobi Stars were denied a continental ticket in controversial circumstances and are ready to challenge for all trophies this season.
