NDLEA, NPFL Partner On Drug Testing For Footballers
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have agreed to partner on the conduct of drug testing for footballers in the country, as part of efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse in Nigeria.
This was one of the high points of discussions between the leadership of the Agency and the football league when 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 Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The delegation included ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Saidu Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche George Egbe.
While speaking, Marwa commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the football league. He assured that the agency won’t relent in its offensive action against drug cartels in the country.
He also expressed the willingness of NDLEA to partner with NPFL to curb abuse of illicit substances by footballers.
“We are happy with your request for random drug test for players. This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect,” Marwa said. “We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest.”
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.
While speaking, Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency now respected home and abroad.
He said 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.
According to him, part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and use of performance enhancing drugs by footballers, which is why he reached out to the agency for partnership to salvage the situation.
“The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug test on our players,” Elegbeleye stated. “Once they know we conduct drug test, they will refrain from abuse of illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA.”
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