Posted by Nigerian footballers will soon be subject to joint drug testing by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
While on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, in Abuja on Friday, the agreement was among the topics discussed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, chairman of the NPFL board.
Davidson Owumi, head of the NPFL’s operations, Uche George Egbe, chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, and former international Daniel Amokachi were among the delegates, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Elegbeleye stated that NDLEA owes a great debt of gratitude to Marwa for the visionary and influential leadership that has transformed the organization into a respected international force in the field of law enforcement.
He claimed that the agency’s efforts have reduced the impunity of drug lords and cartels while simultaneously increasing national awareness of the drug problem.
Betting and PED usage by sportsmen, he added, were contributing factors to the country’s sports industry’s woes, particularly in football.
Furthermore, in order to salvage the situation, he had to contact the agency in order to form a cooperation.
If the NDLEA doesn’t join forces with us to randomly test our athletes for drugs, then nothing will change.
They won’t abuse drugs as much if they find out we test for them. For this reason, Elegbeleye has expressed a desire to form an alliance with NDLEA.
Marwa praised the NPFL boss for his innovative ideas and tremendous progress in expanding the football league in his reply.
He vowed that the government will not back down from its war on drug cartels.
He stated that the NDLEA is open to collaborating with the NPFL in an effort to reduce substance misuse among football players.
We approve of the random drug testing you’ve requested.
We are prepared to collaborate with you on this, and it is accessible at all of our commands across the country. “We are fully prepared to work together and back you up in your mission,” Marwa stated.