-as medical expert warns against Drug Abuse
Emmanuel Olagunju
The leadership of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association ( NFCA), Oyo Zonal Council, has engaged football teams and other relevant stakeholders on the emerging laws guiding the round leather game with focus on officiating.
The sensitization programme, held on Saturday at the Durbar Stadium in Oyo town was part of the efforts of Coach Adekunle Kabir led administration to ensure that concerned individuals, particularly, players and coaches have a better understanding of the rules of the game, and also curb violence at match venues.
In an interview shortly after delivering his lecture, Nigeria Premier Football League Referee, Salam Olabode, revealed that the review of football rules such as the injury assessment, players substitution, handball cases, throw- ins, game restart procedures among others are assisting referees in tackling time-wasting during matches.
He explained that injured players must observe a mandatory one-minute period off-pitch before returning to the field of play, while delays during substitution procedures attract sanctions.
On the age and qualification of referees to be assigned to handle matches, Olabode opined that competency is the key , arguing that a referee’s ability to handle a match matters more than age .
In his remarks, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Oyo Zone, Coach Adewale Kabiru, said the event was organised to address the misconceptions of the football rules that could lead to violence among football lovers .
He urged participants to put the acquired knowledge into use , while calling on the football players and coaches to endeavor to manage their anger both on and off- pitch .
He appreciated his team , resource persons, groups and individuals who contributed to the success of the programme .
Speaking on the importance of good health, a medical expert, Mrs. Olatoyosi Akintola, warned the players against the frequent use of medication, explaining that common drugs such as paracetamol can have side effects, particularly when abused or taken excessively.
According to her, the best way to manage stress is through adequate rest, while medication should only be used when necessary.
She urged the players to pay attention to proper nutrition and hydration, injury prevention and first aid, cardiovascular health, adequate sleep, mental health, personal hygiene and regular medical check-ups.
Responding to various questions, resource persons, Referee Ogunronbi Ruth and Referee Mustapha Semiat, submitted that promoting the beauty of the game requires total adherence to the established laws by the players and officials.
The event brought together players, coaches, referees, football fans, supporters, sports journalists, members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN) Oyo Zone, Ex -players, sports administrators and a host of others.
