The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have agreed to partner on the conduct of drug tests for footballers in the country as part of efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse in Nigeria.
According to a statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi that was one of the high points of discussions between the leadership of the agency and the football league body when the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd.) in Abuja on Friday.
Babafemi said that an ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal at NPFL, Uche Egbe, were among the delegates on the courtesy visit.
Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency. He further said that the activities of the agency have not only raised national awareness about the drug scourge but have equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and barons.
He said part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and the use of performance-enhancing drugs by footballers.
Elegbeleye said: “The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug tests on our players. Once they know we conduct drug tests, they will refrain from abusing illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA”.
Marwa commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the football league.
The NDLEA chief assured him that the agency would not relent in its action against drug cartels in the country.
He also expressed the willingness of the agency to partner with NPFL to curb the abuse of illicit substances by footballers.
“We are happy with your request for random drug tests for players. This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest”, Marwa said.
He said the league should also consider mobilising star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.
Drug testing in sports is an ongoing effort to maintain a level playing field and promote the values of fair competition, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.
The effectiveness of these programmes relies on the collaboration of athletes, sports organisations, and anti-doping agencies to uphold the integrity of sports.
At the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, some players, including Nigerians were picked for random testing and the results came out negative.
Nigerian fans hailed Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen for his fitness and seemingly unending energy after he was cleared alongside teammates Willian Troost-Ekong and Moses Simon following multiple dope tests by CAF.
About a week ago, Juventus player Paul Pogba was banned from football for four years following a failed drug test, according to reports by Italian media.
