Sports
NSF 2024: AFN Organizes Anti-Doping Seminar for Junior Athletes Ahead of Gateway Games
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.
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.
The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.
The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.
Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.
According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.
“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.
The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.
As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.
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