Nigerian stars in the English topflight are set to resume training with their respective clubs after Premier League shareholders ruled that players can start to train in groups.
The Premier League has been suspended for almost three months due to the coronavirus outbreak that has affected activities worldwide.
During this period, Premier League stars have been training at home personally as the Britain Government ordered a complete lockdown for about six weeks.
However, the lockdown was eased last week, and it was even announced that professional sports could return at the start of June albeit behind closed doors.
The Premier League still have nine round of matches to go and the plan is to complete these games even though some players have expressed fears about returning.
But the decision allowing players to train in groups is a massive step towards restarting the league. The Premier League statement read:
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from tomorrow afternoon – the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so.
Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted.
This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the Government.
Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.
Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.
The news is a welcome development for Nigerians as the Premier League has a large following in the country.
