Former Nigerian Goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be cautious with the way they handled the Super Eagles players health amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The virus which has infected more than 120,000 cases and claimed more than 4,000 lives globally, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It has also prompted some clubs in Europe to cancel some of their league matches in a bid to contain and curtail the spread of the virus.
Recall that last week, Confederation of African Football (CAF) postponed this month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, Shorunmu, who was in goal at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, told Goalball that the NFF must not joke with the players' health ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone on March 27.
“We are facing a difficult time as far as the health of every human being is a concern in the world. The coronavirus has disrupted lots of football activities globally, something we never imagined at all,” Shorunmu told Goalballlive.com
“It's even a good thing that the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) called for the postponement of all the 2021 AFCON qualifiers in a bid to protect the players from been exposed to the virus.
”However, I want to appeal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to heed to CAF's postponement and not endanger the lives of the players to the deadly coronavirus.
SEE ALSO | Footballer Dies From Coronavirus, Becomes ‘Europe's Youngest' Victim
“Whether we have less case of the virus or not, one thing we must almost put into cognizance is that the lives of the players should come first before any other thing.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
