George Aluo
President of Nigeria Olympic committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel has declared that Nigeria would not want to win medals that can be traced to drugs at the Rabat 2019 All Africa Games which runs from August 19-31.
Gumel stated this while inaugurating the Medical and Scientific Commission of the NOC last week in Lagos.
Gumel mandated the newly inaugurated commission to ensure Nigeria win only clean medals at the African biggest sports fiesta.
Gumel, an executive committee member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that the NOC will work hand in hand with the commission in keeping Nigerian athletes physical and psychological ready for the games.
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“On our part, the NOC will continue to work hard within the limits of our ability and resources for continuous promotion of the noble Olympic ideals and specifically support the worthy initiatives of the medical and scientific commission”
Chairman of the sports medicine and scientific committee, Dr. Festus Osoba explained that the commission has already sprung into action by publishing a booklet “Medical And Scientific Commission Tips To Optimal Athletic Performance” to be shared amongst federations and athletes to assist them in understanding standard attainable for doping control.
“ We are here to ensure that the Nigeria Olympic Committee complies with the IOC regulations concerning the participation of athletes in the competition, that is to ensure they are aware of substances that can make them to be disqualified. Medications can be prescribed innocently, but it can be listed as a banned substance.
Our duty is to ensure that all the federations and athletes are aware of all doping rules and regulations,” he concluded.