The Nigeria National League (NNL) has dismissed the spread of Diphtheria disease in Kano, venue of its eight-team relegation play off which kicks off this weekend.
Shortly after the government of Kano State graciously gave the nod to host the NNL relegation play off at the Sani Abacha Stadium, unconfirmed reports made the rounds that the disease has engulfed the entire Kano State.
NNL Chairman George Aluo said the news is fake, noting that he personally made an effort to confirm the safety of hosting the play off in Kano and that his inquiries from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has shown that Kano is safe.
“We are in touch with the NCDC to get the right information on the situation and there is no such censor that we should not go to Kano,” he said. “We even kept touch with the Police Commissioner in Kano CP Mohammed Usani Gumel and we were assured of our security and safety.
“Our advanced party led by NNL Chief Operating Officer (COO) Emmanuel Adesanya who is working with the Local organizing committee for the success of the play-off are on ground and have also allayed any sort of fears.”
“No state of health emergency has been declared about Kano and it is only normal that we place the facts on the table. The NNL relegation play off will go on as scheduled. We have put logistics in place and thanks again to His Excellency, the governor of Kano State Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for investing in the NNL.”
The eight teams billed to feature in the play-off will arrive in the ancient city of Kano today ahead of the draw which takes place tomorrow with the games starting on Saturday August 7.