The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have agreed to partner to conduct drug tests for footballers in the country.
Jerrymusa.com reports that one of the main points of conversation during a courtesy visit by NPFL board chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the head of the NDLEA, on Friday in Abuja was the agreement.
NDLEA Commits to End Drug Abuse
The delegates included former international Daniel Amokachi, Mohammed Saidu, Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, and Uche George Egbe, Head of Legal for the NPFL.
“Elegbeleye thanked Marwa for her inspirational and influential leadership in helping NDLEA grow into a front-running law enforcement organisation that is today well-respected both domestically and internationally.
“He said that in addition to increasing public awareness of the drug problem, the agency’s actions had also reduced the impunity of drug cartels and barons.
“He added that football players’ use of performance-enhancing substances and betting were two issues the nation’s sports business was dealing with, particularly in relation to football.
“In order to turn things around, he continued, he had to get in touch with the agency and ask for cooperation.
“The NDLEA is the only organisation that can fix this scenario by collaborating with us to randomly test our athletes for drugs.
“Once they are aware that we test for drugs, they will stop abusing illegal substances. For this reason, we’re looking to cooperate with NDLEA,” Elegbeleye said.
Marwa responded by praising the NPFL president for his enormous efforts and creative ideas in developing the football league.
He promised that the NDLEA would not back down from its campaign against drug cartels in the country.
He stated that the NDLEA is eager to work with the NPFL to stop football players from abusing illegal substances.
“Your desire for a random drug test for players is welcomed.
“This is available in every one of our commands around the country, and we are willing to collaborate with you on it.
“Marwa stated that we are eager to work with you and assist you in your endeavours.”
The head of the NDLEA stated that since many young people looked forward to professional football players as role models, the league ought to think about enlisting their support in public lobbying against drug usage.