Obiazor wants Nigeria’s top league season completed “on the field of play”

The goalkeeper of Nigeria’s log-topping team Plateau United, David Obiazor, has called for the Nigerian Professional Football League to be concluded on the field rather than in the boardroom because it is more “honourable and respectful” to complete it that way.

The nation’s leagues have been suspended since mid-March due to the global outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. Discussions are on-going among the authorities and stakeholders on possible options to successfully conclude the 2019/20 season.

Obiazor said that even though his side was well-positioned at the top of the league should the league be concluded off the field, he would still prefer a game-based conclusion.

“For me I will want the league to be completed so that the champions will be declared on the field of play.

“It’s more honourable and respectful to win on the pitch than through unconventional means like the boardroom. Winning squarely on the pitch has a way of boosting team’s morale in their other endeavours.

“Of course, Plateau United would rather prefer being champions on the field of play than through boardroom decision.

“And I’m confident with the way we have performed in the past matches we will be able to retain the topmost position to become champions at the end of the day,” said the former Heartland goaltender.

Obiazor advised that the authorities should key into the measures and programmes of other countries restarting their respective leagues to finish our own domestic league.

“Seriously, if the league restarts I will be happy at least it will make us know more about ourselves, and we will use the remaining league matches to prepare for maybe next coming season and other things ahead.

“If other countries are re-starting their leagues in the midst of coronavirus I do not see the reason we should not re-start our own.

“What we need to do is to key into the various health measures in place over there and deploy the measures right here to complete our league,” said the Nigerian shot stopper.

Plateau United sit at the summit of the 20-team top-flight log on 49 points four above challengers, Rivers United.