Ibenegbu says NPFL clubs will struggle after COVID-19

Enugu Rangers midfielder Ikechukwu Ibenegbu is certain that virtually all the top-flight clubs in Nigeria will struggle to regain their fitness after the coronavirus crisis.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought world football and sporting activities almost to a halt including the domestic leagues.

Ibenegbu said however that his side are still poised to achieve their season’s target of winning the league title.

“Of course, the after-effect of the COVID-19 crisis will be negative on all the teams not only Enugu Rangers.

“Teams are certainly going to return to the pitch struggling to regain form and fitness almost all over again.

“Right now trainings and other minor exercises are done indoors which cannot be compared with normal and competitive matches.

“Prior to the coronavirus pandemic we were in top form and good shape and that was why we were able to rake in good results that saw us move speedily on the league log.

“I believe after the coronavirus scourge we will still work harder to achieve our season’s goal of winning the league.

“Of course, winning the league has been our target right from the outset and even now nobody can meaningfully write us off.

“We are still very much in contention for the league crown with 13 matches left on the calendar to play,” said the former Enyimba midfielder.

Ibenegbu insisted that the league body must resist every form pressure to declare the ongoing top-flight inconclusive due to the coronavirus crisis.

“It will not be fair to virtually all the teams to declare the league inconclusive or end it abruptly because of the coronavirus crisis.

“Teams like Enyimba have about five outstanding matches to play, we have one just like other teams.

“Other teams are not on a good standing at the moment and are banking on the remaining 13 matches to save themselves from possible relegation.

“The fairest option would be to rush the remaining 13 matches and conclude the season within two months or so after the coronavirus crisis ended.

“It will further give the league and the eventual winners credibility within and outside the shores of the country.

“So I’m advising that the league season should not be declared inconclusive,” said the former Heartland and Warri Wolves man.

Enugu Rangers are fourth on the 20-team top-flight log on 37 points 12 behind leaders, Plateau United with a game at hand.