Over 700 players, officials undergo COVID-19 test, other medical screening in Anambra


At least 756 players and officials of 27 clubs participating on the maiden Super 8 tournament organised by the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) have been subjected to medical screening in Awka, the state capital.


Blueprint learnt that the medical exercise, featuring coronavirus test anchored by a team from the NCDC, blood pressure, weight and height index, sugar level and others, was aimed at ascertaining the health status of the beneficiaries ahead of February 1, 2021 when the event would kick off.


According to head of the medical team, Mr Oraegbunem Chukwuagozie, a licensed nurse, the medical exercise would not only help the players and officials to be medically fit but also prevent health hazards and other eventualities.


On his part, the Chairman, Super 8 Tournament Committee, Prince Oliver Ndigwe, added that the medical exercise would enable the board to generate and store data of clubs and their players and officials for future use.


Also speaking, the brand manager, Aspire FC, Miss Ezeaso Chidinma Madonna, said the exercise was in line with the FIFA standard and WHO protocols on coronavirus, adding that her club which is sponsoring the tournament unveiled it in order to encourage club owners to properly take care of their team.


“This is a new innovation. We are trying to set up a standard because the tournament is anchored on FIFA standard. A lot of players and other officials have died across the world due to clubs inability to discover their health status. We don’t want to make such a mistake. Aspire FC been a grassroots oriented club, want to make sure that other clubs like ours thrive by exposing them to this kind opportunities. That is among the reasons why we are sponsoring this tournament,” Madonna disclosed.


Speaking in separate interviews some of the participating clubs, the Director/President, Dosad Football Academy, Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike and Dr Abakare Chris of United FA Amawbia, and a player, Mr Chukwuemeka Godwin thanked the organisers and sponsors of the event for the medical outfit which according to them would help participants to perform optimally.

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