The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have teamed up to fight the growing issue of substance addiction in Nigerian football. This collaboration, which was unveiled on Friday, March 8, 2024, during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), represents an important development in reducing the problem of drug addiction in the athletic community.
The delegation, led by NPFL board chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, included esteemed personalities such as former international footballer Daniel Amokachi, club chairmen, and other key figures from the football fraternity.
During discussions, Elegbeleye lauded Marwa’s leadership at NDLEA, highlighting the agency’s pivotal role in raising awareness about drug-related issues and combating the influence of drug cartels.
Elegbeleye stressed the urgent need to address concerns in the sports business, notably in football, noting issues such as betting and the use of performance-enhancing chemicals by players. Recognising the NDLEA as an important ally in addressing these challenges, he recommended performing random drug tests on football players to dissuade illicit substance misuse, requesting the agency’s help and collaboration in this attempt.
“The only agency that can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug tests on our players. Once they know we conduct drug tests, they will refrain from abusing illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and partnership with NDLEA,” Elegbeleye said.
In response to this, Marwa praised the NPFL president for his enormous efforts and creative ideas in developing the football league. He reassured them that the organisation would not back down from its efforts to combat the nation’s drug cartels.
“We are happy with your request for random drug tests 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,” Marwa stated.
He added that the league should also consider mobilising star footballers to get involved in open advocacy against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.
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