NPFL Acquires Drug Testing Kits From UK

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has taken action to prevent any potential drug use among its players. Random drug tests will be carried out in the coming weeks after the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, announced the purchase of testing kits from the UK.

Elegbeleye was in Port Harcourt to show support to Rivers United in their CAF Confederation Cup qualifier against Etoile Filante, with Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

long with Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Elegbeleye was in Port Harcourt to support Rivers United during their CAF Confederation Cup qualifying match against Etoile Filante.

After Rivers United’s dramatic victory to advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Elegbeleye told NPFL Media, “We are committed to join the NFF, CAF, FIFA and the global campaign for eradicating illicit substance use in sports and this will commence soon with random tests of our players.”

The NPFL Chairman stated, “We are prepared to deter and eradicate illicit drug usage in the league where it occurs. We aim to work with pertinent government authorities to launch an awareness campaign that will include displays on our MatchDay stadium boards and media outlets.

A note with a two-week warning for the start of the examinations is being sent to NPFL Clubs, according to Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, who was with the NPFL head.

Owumi said that training on using the kits is continuing in preparation for the start of random testing in another two weeks.

Players have the next two weeks to detoxify themselves to get rid of any illegal substances in their systems since there is continual training for staff on how to use these kits, Owumi cautioned. “Players who fail the tests will be subject to the full applicable sanctions,” he said.

He ordered the clubs’ medical staffs to start educating players about prohibited drugs and how to avoid consuming such items.