Nigeria's ongoing football crisis has taken another twist as the League Management Committee have suspended the Nigeria Professional Football League, which had been due to resume on July 18 following a one-month break.
The league went into recess after the 24th round of matches in June ahead of the World Cup, with Lobi Stars atop the table and enjoying a two-point lead over Akwa United.
However, just two days before the resumption of matches, a letter signed by the LMC's Chief Operating Officer Salihu Abubakar to all participating 20 clubs, cited the current administrative challenges as a reason for the setback.
Two weeks ago, Chris Giwa - with the backing of Sports Minister Solomon Dalung - seized control of the Nigeria Football Federation headquarters, with the former still battling to have his election to the post of NFF President recognised in the courts.
"Kindly be informed that the League Management Company (LMC) has reached a decision to postpone the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely," read Abubakar's statement, as published on the league's official website.
"The decision is based on the current adverse circumstances in the administration of football in the country as a result of which sponsors, partners and service providers have expressed strong concerns and are reviewing their involvement in the league
"There is therefore the need to engage them further in this regard in order to mitigate against any possible adverse outcome.
"Furthermore, organizing matches of the NPFL under the current circumstances might cause irreversible damage to the League brand," the statement noted.
Unfortunately, with Nigeria facing the real possibility of a FIFA ban if the impasse continues. the prospect of domestic-based players securing moves abroad could be affected, while the league's postponed return may yet be a sign of things to come.