FG Lifts Ban On Football, Other Sports

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on non contact sports and says implementation date is from Monday , 19th October.

Recall that in March, the government placed total ban on all sporting activities across the country due to the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

But the cheery news was released today Thursday in Abuja by the coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Sani Aliyu.

He said the lifting of ban on non- contact sports, which includes football, was supported by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control after due consolation.

“The lifting of restriction on outdoor activities including football is in line with earlier consultations with Ministry of Youth and Sports and NCDC.

However, this is limited to the actual sports itself & not mass gathering.

In this regard, mass gathering at sports centers is still restricted as this represents an opportunity for the virus to spread at an increased risk of a second wave.

“Gathering in enclosed spaces will continue to be limited to 50 persons with physical distancing and wearing of face mask.”

The Minister For Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, acknowledged the lifting of the ban in a tweet
“We welcome the lifting of D ban on football by the PTF.”