The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have agreed to collaborate on conducting drug tests for footballers in Nigeria to combat substance abuse.
This decision was reached during discussions between the leadership of both organizations.
The Chairman of the NPFL board, Gbenga Elegbeleye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in Abuja on Friday.
The delegation included ex-international Daniel Amokachi, Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association Mohammed Nasiru, Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL Davidson Owumi, and Head of Legal of NPFL Uche Egbe.
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Elegbeleye commended Marwa for his leadership in making NDLEA a frontline law enforcement agency in addressing the drug scourge in Nigeria.
He highlighted the issue of betting and the use of performance-enhancing drugs in football, emphasizing the need for drug tests to deter players from abusing illicit substances.
In response, Marwa praised the NPFL’s efforts to develop the football league and assured continued action against drug cartels.
He expressed the NDLEA’s readiness to collaborate with the NPFL in conducting random drug tests for players.
Marwa also suggested mobilizing star footballers to advocate against drug abuse, considering their influence on youths.
Drug testing in sports is crucial for maintaining fair competition and upholding the integrity of the game. At the Africa Cup of Nations, Nigerian players underwent random testing with negative results, demonstrating their commitment to clean play.
Conversely, reports of footballers failing drug tests, such as the case of Juventus player Paul Pogba, highlight the importance of rigorous testing protocols.
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