NPFL Conducts Maiding Drug Tests on Sporting Lagos, Bayelsa Utd Players

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and the anti-doping agency successfully carried out dope tests on players during the matchday 15 fixtures on Thursday.

Two players were selected each from the matches involving Sporting Lagos and Bayelsa United, as well as Bendel Insurance and Abia Warriors.

An anti-doping expert, Dr.  Akinwunmi Amao, led a four-member team that administered tests on the selected players.

Amao expressed delight at the integration of dope control in leagues in Africa as is obtainable in Europe.

“Dope test in football has taken firm root in big professional leagues in quite a number of countries in Europe for more than a decade while recently it’s being integrated in the African football leagues.” he told NPFL Media.

“Introduction of dope testing in NPFL matches is a good development in the right direction and it raises the level of compliance with international rules/regulations as well as the integrity of the league management and administration.”

Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye described the development as “unprecedented”, adding that it will become a permanent feature of the league.