Footballers in Nigeria may soon undergo routine drug tests as part of a partnership agreement between the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, towards curbing the menace of substance abuse in the country.
This was one of the highpoints of discussions between the leadership of NDLEA and the football league when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman anti-narcotics Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja on Friday March 8.
Spokesperson for the NDLEA, Femi BabaFemi, said 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, were on the entourage.
In his remarks, 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.
He said part of the problems facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and use of performance enhancing drugs by footballers. He said he has to reach 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. 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”, Elegbeleye stated.
Responding, 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 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. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest”, Marwa stated.
He said the league should also consider mobilizing star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.
