The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is taking steps to combat the potential issue of drug abuse among players as they are set to implement random drug tests.
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, revealed this initiative following the acquisition of testing kits from the United Kingdom.
“We are committed to join the NFF, CAF, FIFA and the global campaign for eradication of illicit substance use in sports and this will commence soon with random tests of our players.
“We are poised to arrest and stamp out illicit drugs use in the league where it exists and we plan to collaborate with relevant government agencies to launch an enlightenment campaign.” Elegbeleye declared.
The NPFL Chairman, accompanied by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, announced that NPFL Clubs will receive a memo with a two-week notice for the start of these tests. Training on the use of testing kits is already underway, with random tests scheduled to begin in the next two weeks.
Owumi issued a warning to players, stating that those who fail the tests will face applicable sanctions. He urged club medical teams to educate players about banned substances and how to avoid products containing such substances.
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