NPFL players test clean as NADC confirms zero doping cases

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players have received a clean bill of health after random drug tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) all returned negative. The results, released in a letter to the NPFL, confirm that no player tested positive for banned substances during the 2023/24 season. The NADC explained that 32 urine […]

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players have received a clean bill of health after random drug tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) all returned negative.

The results, released in a letter to the NPFL, confirm that no player tested positive for banned substances during the 2023/24 season.

The NADC explained that 32 urine samples were collected across randomly selected league fixtures, with all tests coming back negative.

In the letter sent to the NPFL, Odo Raphael Okafor, the Deputy Director/Head Drug Testing, recalled that the tests were conducted to keep the sport of football clean and add integrity to the NPFL.

“As you are quite aware, NADC in her effort to keep the sports of football clean and add integrity to the league, in line with the World Anti-Doping Code, started drug testing with the 2023/2024  league season.

“Out of the Thirty-Two (32) Urine sample test carried out in a randomly selected match fixtures, the whole results came out to be negative. This indicates that out of the randomly selected players, none is using substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This is commendable”, Okafor wrote in the letter.

Reacting to the development, NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, praised the players for their discipline and commitment to clean football.

“I am very satisfied with the outcome of the tests on our players carried out by the NADC and I want to commend our players for staying clean,” he said.

Elegbeleye further assured the anti-doping body of the league’s cooperation as the agency prepares to continue random tests in the 2025/26 season.

“The agency is going to receive total support from the NPFL to ensure another successful round of testing,” he pledged.

The NADC confirmed it will resume random drug testing in selected matches during the new season, with plans to conduct 16 tests across four fixtures. The agency stressed its continued commitment to fair play, player health, and the integrity of Nigerian football.

Meanwhile, league actions returns with Matchday 6 this weekend, featuring thrilling fixtures across the country. Unbeaten leaders Enyimba face Ikorodu City, while champions Remo Stars visit Abia Warriors. Rivers United remain undefeated, Shooting Stars chase momentum, and newcomers Barau FC and Kun Khalifat clash in an early relegation battle.