Sports

NVBF to Introduce Doping Tests in 2026 Premier League — Nimrod

Published

8 months ago

February 5, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimrod, has announced that the federation will commence doping tests in the Premier League as part of a strong push to sanitize the sport and protect its integrity.

While Speaking shortly after the Anti-Doping Information and Education Seminar organised by the NVBF Nimrod said the initiative was designed to sensitise volleyball players on anti-doping rules and safeguard their careers in line with global best practices.

He described the seminar as a necessary step following directives from the last Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) Congress. According to him, the NOC encouraged all federations to adopt a top-to-bottom approach to anti-doping, after a comprehensive presentation by the President of the NOC Anti-Doping Committee and medical experts.

He explained that Nigeria has now constitutionally fulfilled the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), making it imperative for sports federations to take deliberate actions against the growing trend of athletes taking drugs or competing under the influence.

While admitting that the cost of full laboratory testing remains a challenge, Nimrod said the NVBF has resolved to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct simple but effective checks on players.

“We are not joking about this,” Nimrod stated.

“For every international competition, we already conduct drug tests on our players before traveling. What we want to do now is to step it down to the domestic level, starting from the Premier League, to support the Federal and State Governments in curtailing drug abuse.”

The NVBF president noted that drug use often reflects clearly during matches, with some players starting games strongly before suddenly dropping in performance.

He stressed that such situations would now attract simple verification tests, carried out in collaboration with NDLEA officials. He also clarified that harmless substances like glucose drinks are allowed, but injections, marijuana or any substance taken to artificially boost performance will not be tolerated.

Nimrod expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the anti-doping programme, revealing that all participating teams were present alongside referees, officials and board members. He described the exercise as an advocacy-driven initiative aimed at educating all stakeholders to prevent future conflicts when new regulations are enforced, such as restroom monitoring during matches.

He added that the anti-doping drive will help Nigeria avoid embarrassment at international competitions organised by the FIVB, CAVB, as well as events such as the African Games, Nations Cup qualifiers and the Commonwealth Games.

Beyond anti-doping, Nimrod highlighted the resurgence of volleyball in Nigeria, noting the growing interest witnessed during the Super Cup, including strong participation from schools.
He expressed confidence in grassroots development, revealing that Nigeria has been invited to participate in an upcoming Under-15 competition in Egypt, with the assurance that the country can also raise competitive Under-13 teams in the near future.

“With the right structure and discipline, volleyball will return to the glory days when it rivalled football for attention,” Nimrod said, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to clean sport, youth development and international competitiveness.

Share on Facebook

Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

Share on Facebook