Sports
Sports Ministry Plans N350m Anti-Doping Lab In Nsukka
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has put plans in place to build a National Anti-Doping Laboratory in the country in 2022.
This was contained in the 2022 budget presented to the National Assembly by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), which was seen by our correspondent.
According to the document, the anti-doping laboratory will be domiciled at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
The new laboratory is expected to cost N350 million.
The construction of the new lab comes after 10 Nigerian athletes were barred from participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for failing to meet anti-doping requirements.
Tidesports source reports that Nigeria accounted for 50 per cent of the 20 athletes barred from the Olympics by the Athletics Integrity Unit.
“Nigeria is the most affected country, not meeting the minimum testing requirements under Rule 15 for 10 athletes,” AIU said in a statement in July.
To forestall any future occurrence, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria announced the appointment of a seven-man Medical and Anti-Doping Commission headed by Professor Ken Anugweje.
When completed, the anti-doping laboratory will get accreditation from the World Anti-Doping Agency before it can conduct human doping control sample analyses.
According to WADA’s website, “A WADA accredited laboratory can also conduct blood analyses in support of the haematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport.”
WADA also approved some other laboratories to collect blood analyses in support of the ABP.
Before now, anti-doping tests carried out on Nigerian athletes were taken out of the country for analyses.
If accredited, the UNN anti-doping laboratory will be the second accredited laboratory in Africa after the South Africa Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
There are also two approved laboratories in Egypt and Kenya.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Nation2 days agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026