As Nigeria’s risk losing the 4×100 women relay gold medal won at the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham following Grace Nwokocha’s alleged doping, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and other sports federations have been urged to always educate their athletes on issues related to anti-doping.
According to the speakers at the #LeadershipSpaces, https://twitter.com/LeadershipNGA, Wednesday’s conversation called for the establishment of an Independent doping Organisation to address issues surrounding doping in Nigeria’s sports sector.
IOC certified medical doctor, Dr Jimi Osinaike, said Nigeria has a terrible history of doping and asked what the country is doing to correct the abnormality.
“There is an anti-doping act in WADA that says athletes must be educated on whatever they take and what they should not take, so it’s going to be very unfair on athletes if they are found wanting because of ignorance.
“We have a terrible past about doping but what we are doing to correct it. Athletes have the right to be educated on doping related substances or issues, but do Nigeria’s athletes get the right education on anti-doping?
“Doping is a serious matter and WADA doesn’t accept excuses for doping offences.”
2004 Olympics bronze medalist, Simon Audu, urged the authorities in the country to intensify their approach in producing and presenting dope free athletes for international competitions.
“The Sports Ministry and the AFN must collaborate to ensure that our athletes engage in regular testing before and after major competition so as to save themselves and country from future embarrassment. That’s why we have to create an independent doping organisation to keep us informed and carry out up to date testing for our athletes,” he said.
On her part, former media officer of AFN, Temitope Idowu, called on the Nigerians to rally around Grace Nwokocha at her down moments.
“This is the right time for Nigerians to support Grace Nwokocha because we know she is a risinwg star, she has been devastated following the news of her suspension and that of her teammates, the trio of Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma and Tobi Amusan”.
Recall that Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had provisional suspension of Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Grace Nwokocha, for used of banned ostarine and ligandrol substances, two anabolic agents prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – which was found in her blood sample.
Olawale Ayeni, London
Olawale Ayeni is a seasoned digital journalist with years of experience covering major sports events in Nigeria and abroad. Olawale Ayeni is also Leadership's UK Sports correspondent. His Twitter handle is @VjWale
