By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-03-07 04:25:09
Nigeria has taken proactive steps to ensure that their athletes continue to adhere to anti-doping regulations despite the suspension of South Africa’s Bloemfontein Anti-Doping Laboratory. With the laboratory being the only accredited facility in Africa, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) suspended its accreditation from March 1, 2024, for a period of up to six months due to multiple non-compliances with international standards.
In response to the suspension, Nigeria has opted to send samples of blood and urine from athletes to Qatar for analysis. This decision was made in light of the convenience of having multiple flights departing from Nigeria to Qatar on a daily basis, making the process faster and more efficient. However, it has been noted that the laboratory in Qatar does not accept credit facilities, highlighting the need for the availability of funds from the Federal Government for the Nigeria Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to continue their anti-doping efforts.
A source close to NADO emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds are readily available to conduct frequent analyses of blood and urine tests on athletes in order to prevent any international embarrassment. The threat of Nigeria’s flag being banned at major competitions by WADA serves as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to support NADO’s efforts in combating doping in sports.
With the South Africa laboratory suspended from conducting any anti-doping activities, including the analysis of urine and blood samples, except for analyses related to the haematology module of the Athlete Biological Passport, Nigeria’s decision to use the Qatar laboratory for analysis is crucial in maintaining the integrity of their athletes and complying with anti-doping regulations.
As Nigeria remains under WADA’s radar, it is essential for the government to prioritize funding for NADO and ensure that regular testing is conducted to uphold the country’s reputation in international sports competitions. By taking proactive measures and utilizing alternative facilities for anti-doping analysis, Nigeria is demonstrating its commitment to fair play and the fight against doping in sports.
