NSF 2024: AFN holds anti-doping seminar for junior athletes
Ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has organized a one-day anti-doping seminar to educate junior athletes on the risks and consequences of drug use in sports.
The seminar, held Wednesday in Abuja, focused on global anti-doping rules and the long-term impact of performance-enhancing drugs. It is part of efforts to prepare the young athletes for the upcoming Gateway Games.
Dr. Paul Onyeudo (Rtd), former Director of Sports Medicine at the National Sports Commission, warned athletes about the dangers of doping, urging them to always seek professional advice before taking any medication.
“We are telling you all this early so you won’t be misled into taking substances that could ruin your future,” he said.
AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stressed the importance of hard work and discipline over shortcuts. He encouraged the athletes to remain focused and clean in their pursuit of excellence.
“There is no shortcut to the top,” Onikeku told them. “Use the knowledge gained here to guide your decisions.”
Junior team captain, Gift Brown, expressed appreciation to the AFN, saying the seminar gave them practical guidance as they prepare for competition.
The junior athletes will compete as a symbolic “37th state” at the Games—a concept introduced by the National Sports Commission to expose rising talents to high-level competition.
