The Nigeria Premier Football League has taken steps to address the possible issue of drug abuse among its players by introducing random drug tests.

Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the NPFL board, announced this initiative as part of the league’s commitment to eradicating illicit substance use in sports.

Elegbeleye revealed that the NPFL board has already obtained testing kits from the United Kingdom to facilitate the random drug tests.

The decision to conduct these tests aligns with global efforts led by organizations like the Nigeria Football Federation, Confederation of African Football, and FIFA to combat illicit substance use in sports.

“We are committed to joining the NFF, CAF, FIFA, and the global campaign for the eradication of illicit substance use in sports, and this will commence soon with random tests of our players,” Elegbeleye stated.

The NPFL chairman also emphasized the league’s determination to root out illicit drug use wherever it exists. The league plans to collaborate with relevant government agencies to launch an awareness campaign, which will include displays on matchday stadium boards and media channels.

The NPFL’s 2023/24 season began last weekend with eight matches across various centers. Matchday two games are scheduled to take place this weekend.

In addition to Chairman Elegbeleye’s announcement, the Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, confirmed that a memo will be sent to NPFL clubs, notifying them of the two-week notice for the commencement of random drug tests. Owumi disclosed that training is ongoing to ensure that personnel are proficient in operating the testing kits.

“There’s an ongoing training of personnel on the use of these kits, so players have the next two weeks to detoxify themselves to get rid of any illicit substance in their system, as those who fail the tests will be subjected to the full applicable sanctions,” Owumi warned.

Furthermore, Owumi urged the medical teams of NPFL clubs to educate their players about banned substances and how to avoid consumables that may contain such substances.