The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Federal Government on Thursday’s inauguration of the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, following the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act 2025, which established the Centre as a statutory body empowered to implement Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the action further underscores the iron commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to taking Nigeria sports to a better place, and its determination to guarantee the integrity and credibility of all the sport codes in which Nigeria is involved internationally.
According to him, “The inauguration of the Technical Board of the NADC is another feather in the cap of the administration, of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pointing out” Since the coming into office of his administration, Nigeria sports have been experiencing a rebirth in several facets, including funding, encouragement and motivation of athletes and officials, and accountable and transparent leadership. We commend the Federal Government on the inauguration of the NADC Technical Board. It is, without any gainsay, a milestone in the history of Nigeria sports governance.’
He added “Doping violations over the decades have not done the country’s image any good. The NADC Board will definitely ensure accountability in this area and restore our country’s reputation as a nation with zero-tolerance for doping.”
Sanusi also congratulated the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NADC, Alhaji Mainasara Illo, affirming that the NFF has high confidence in his ability to steer the ship of the Centre to the shore of success.
Sanusi stated “Illo has seen it all, with regards to preparation and participation of athletes of all kinds of sports in major international competitions, and the mandate handed to the Centre to educate athletes and stakeholders, prevent doping violations, protect clean athletes and enforce doping regulations are well within his areas of competence.
Illo, a broadcast icon, was deputy chief organizer of the 8th All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted in 2003, and was chief organizer of the FIFA U17 World Cup competition that Nigeria hosted in 2009.
The NFF also congratulated the medical doctor of the Super Eagles, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, on his appointment into the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre.
PHOTO: Mainasara Illo, Executive Secretary/CEO of the NADC
