NPFL conducts drug tests on Sporting Lagos, Bayelsa United players, others

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

Sporting Lagos and Bayelsa United, as well as Bendel Insurance and Abia Warriors, each had two players selected.

Dr. Akinwunmi Amao, an anti-doping expert, supervised a four-member team that gave tests to the selected players.

Amao expressed excitement at the inclusion of drug control in African competitions, as is possible 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.

Kanyidaily recalls that four clubs dominated NPFL team of the week.