Coach Obuh warns NPFL players against ‘unnecessary’ trips
By Olusola ‘Jide @jide_olusola
A former Flying Eagles coach and immediate past Technical Adviser of Akwa United manager, John Obuh has warned Nigeria Professional Football League players against embarking on ‘unnecessary’ trips out of their bases whenever they are on break.
He made this call following the death of Enugu Rangers FC attacker Ifeanyi George on Sunday while travelling to Lagos and the kidnapping of Enyimba’s Dayo Ojo who was on his way to Akure.
It will be recalled that NPFL clubs approved a two-week break for their players following the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
In a chat on Whatsapp, Obuh called on players to minimize travelling adding that the situation in the country and globally does not encourage such.
“I am so much disturbed about the event of things as regards to the death of players, most especially the recent one that has just happened.
“Let us look at it from the happening of Sunday where we lost a player because he was travelling. We also had a situation of kidnapping because of travelling. I want to believe that not every break requires players leaving their camps. It is not healthy.
“Not every time you have one or two off days and people will be travelling. Why are you travelling? OK, why are we not getting our brothers and sister who are playing abroad ever since this thing happened?
“They have been quarantined in their various home with their families, making sure that if they are going out, they will obey the best of hygiene and come back probably to go and get food for their family to eat,” said the former Golden Eaglets coach.
“Our players are not supposed to be travelling every time, there are lot of risks. You are to drive yourself within your area where you team is but when it comes to travelling, go and look for professional drivers, pay them and they will take you to where you are going and then come back. You must not necessarily travel in your car just because you have a break.
“While these things are still happening, I want us to take lessons out of it. COVID-19 does not say we should travel, it says we should stay at home. That is what it said. Please let us adhere strictly to it and maintain the highest level of hygiene,” he said.