COVID-19 battle: FC Yarmalight boss urges Mikel, Ighalo and co to emulate Messi, Ronaldo, others

March 26 20:00 2020 by The Ajasa News Print This Article

As Federal Government intensified the fight to prevent further spread of COVID-19, with call on private organisations and Nigerians to support the campaign, Nigerian footballers playing in the lucrative European leagues have been urged to assist the government in its fight against the global pandemic. 

The pioneer executive chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission and proprietor of Nigeria National League side, FC Yarmalight, Malam Farouk Yarma, made the solemn call in a statement he released via his social media handle on Thursday. 

Yarma said the Nigerian players should emulate the like of Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and tennis great, Rogers Federer, among others who have contributed towards fighting the scourge of global COVID-19 in their respective countries. 

“We have heard of the contributions made by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, among others towards fighting the Coronavirus in their countries and the world at large. “I’ve expected to hear same gesture from Nigerian players, especially those playing in the lucrative European leagues, but that didn’t suffice.

The entire world, Nigeria inclusive, is currently in trying period. Governments and the people are in need of humanitarian assistance. 

“Nigerian masses are on top of the list of these neediest. Our footballers should be philanthropic and donate to the course of these masses. Many of Nigerian professional footballers can make contributions which will wipe away many tears. 

“We are not praying for the proliferation of Coronavirus in Nigeria, but the country and its people need to take preventive measures. These measures need funds and the government alone should not be left with this responsibility. 

I solemnly call on Nigerian footballers to donate adequately and help the government in assisting the country’s masses in the trying period. I know they can,’’ the statement read. 

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to ban inter-state travel and possibly close down all motor parks as part of measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, disclosed the plans on Thursday.