The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, have agreed to partner to conduct drug tests for footballers in the country.
The agreement was one the highlights of discussions when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Gbenga Elegbeleye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, on Friday in Abuja.
The delegates were ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Saidu; Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche George Egbe.
In his remarks, Elegbeleye acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa had given NDLEA to become a frontline law enforcement agency now respected home and abroad.
He said the activities of the agency had not only raised national awareness about the drug scourge but had equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and barons.
He also said part of the problems the sports industry was facing in the country, especially football, was betting and use of performance enhancing drugs by footballers.
He added that he had to reach out to the agency for partnership to salvage the situation.
“The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA, by working with us to carry out random drug test on our players.
“Once they know we conduct drug test, they will refrain from abuse of illicit substances. This is why we seek the partnership with NDLEA,” Elegbeleye stated.
In his response, Mr Marwa commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the football league.
He assured that the agency won’t relent in its offensive against drug cartels in the country.
He expressed the willingness of NDLEA to partner with NPFL to curb abuse of illicit substances by footballers.
“We are happy with your request for random drug test for players.
“This is available in all our commands nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready to collaborate and support you in your quest,” Mr Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss said the league should also consider mobilising star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths looked up to them as role models.
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