NFF Hails FG Over Inauguration of Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Technical Board

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has applauded the Federal Government for inaugurating the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), describing the move as a major step toward strengthening integrity and accountability in Nigerian sports.

The inauguration, held on Thursday, follows the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act 2025, which established the NADC as a statutory body responsible for implementing Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the development reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports and safeguarding the credibility of the country’s participation in international competitions.

According to Sanusi, the inauguration of the Technical Board is another milestone under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the sports sector has witnessed significant progress in areas such as funding, athlete welfare, motivation, and transparent governance.

He stressed that the establishment of the Board would help address the long-standing challenge of doping violations, which have negatively impacted Nigeria’s international reputation, while strengthening the country’s resolve to uphold a zero-tolerance stance against the use of prohibited substances.

Sanusi also congratulated the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NADC, Alhaji Mainasara Illo, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the Centre effectively.

He noted that Illo’s extensive experience in organising major international sporting events and his deep understanding of sports administration make him well suited to oversee the Centre’s mandate of educating athletes and stakeholders, preventing doping violations, protecting clean athletes, and enforcing anti-doping regulations.

Illo, a veteran broadcaster and sports administrator, served as deputy chief organiser of the 8th All-Africa Games hosted by Nigeria in 2003 and later as chief organiser of the FIFA U-17 World Cup staged in the country in 2009.

The NFF also congratulated Super Eagles team doctor, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, on his appointment to the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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