With the 22nd National Sports Festival just days away in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken proactive steps to educate junior athletes on the dangers of doping.
On Wednesday in Abuja, the federation held a one-day anti-doping sensitization seminar aimed at enlightening the young athletes on global anti-doping rules and the long-term consequences of using banned substances.
Speaking at the seminar, former Director of Sports Medicine at the National Sports Commission, Dr. Paul Onyeudo (Rtd), urged the athletes to embrace clean sports practices.
He warned that taking performance-enhancing drugs could jeopardize their careers and reputations.
“We are telling you all this at an early stage so you get used to it and won’t be misled into taking substances that could damage your future,” Dr. Onyeudo said.
“Always seek guidance from coaches and medical professionals before taking any medication.”
AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, also addressed the participants, emphasizing discipline and consistent training as the only paths to success in athletics.
“There is no shortcut to the top. Anyone who tells you to take substances for an edge is only trying to destroy your future,” Onikeku stated.
“Use the knowledge gained here to guide your choices as you work toward becoming champions.”
In his remarks, junior team captain Gift Brown thanked the AFN for the initiative, noting that the seminar had provided valuable insights the athletes would apply as they prepare for the games.
The junior athletes are expected to compete as a symbolic “37th state” at the National Sports Festival — a concept introduced by the National Sports Commission to expose emerging talents to the rigors of elite competition.
