Rio Olympics: NOC scribe has zero tolerance for drug abuse

The Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tunde Popoola says the committee will continue to maintain tough stance in the fight against substance abuse by athletes.

Popoola, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, decried the use of banned substances by some athletes, stressing that the committee had embarked on enlightenment campaign ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Games are to be hosted by Brazil from Aug. 7 to Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro.

The sec-gen, however, noted that the body to educate the athletes against the use of hard drugs had since swung into action.

“The members have met several times and reached agreements on how to ensure that Team Nigeria to the Rio Games passes the drug test.

“They have started the campaign by speaking with the federations. `One on one discussion’ is also being carried on with the athletes.

“They are told what to do when they are sick, so as to guard against indulging in self medication,’’ he said.

Popoola said the NOC was working hard to ensure that none of the country’s representatives fell victim of the banned substances.

“It is rather unfortunate that some of our athletes tested positive at the 11th African Games. Prior to the competition all of them had come out clean.

“I can remember vividly that 10 days to the competition, we carried out the tests on them and I was amazed at the result we had in Brazzavillie, Congo.

“With more campaigns and enlightenment, I believe our athletes will understand the essence of maintaining a clean slate,” he said.

NAN reports that 41 athletes from seven sports codes have so far qualified for the Olympics. The sports are Athletics, Basketball, Canoe Slalom, Rowing, Table Tennis, Wrestling and Football.