Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick has appealed to all clubs involved in the domestic league promotion brouhaha to sheathe their swords and allow peace reign.
Footballlive.ng gathered that this is another step by Pinnick to mediate in the unfolding drama, which has seen the lower division, Nigerian National League (NNL) insist that eight teams must be promoted to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Pinnick had earlier been given the privilege of making a verdict on the matter, but he passed it on to the NFF Emergency Committee, which he happens to head as chairman.
He said the committee took the decision to support the NNL Super-8 after careful consideration of relevant rules and regulations, best practice and what is obtainable in the international soccer circle.
Members commended Pinnick for efforts he made to meet with the NNL leadership, clubs qualified to participate in the Super-8 and the proprietors of the clubs with a view to explaining to them the need to stage the tournament.
Pinnick further stated that the decision to endorse the NPFL proposal of 30th August 2018 to end the top-flight league at Week 24, should be seen for what it is.
He said it is a measure to deal with an exceptional circumstance to meet up with the deadline for submission of Nigeria’s flagbearer in the CAF Champions League.
Pinnick further explained that it arouse out of the need to redraft the league calendar from August to May as directed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He added: “I am imploring the various Club Owners and other investors, promoters and facilitators, as well as the administrators of the two Leagues.
“(I want them) to see the current situation as a consequence of the special circumstances that we found ourselves and consider the best interest of Nigerian Football.
“Nobody foresaw these special circumstances. Yet, it is only by obeying the rules and regulations, and being guided by global best practice, that we can move forward.
“Nigerian Football is operating within the international football community, and not an oasis in any desert.
“The NFF Emergency Committee endorses the resolution of the expanded meeting that the best eight teams in the NNL should contest the Super 8 Tournament.
“The best four teams will be promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League for the 2018/2019 season.
“We are calling on stakeholders to see these decisions as the only way of getting out of the special circumstances and forge ahead.”
