The Athletic Federation of Nigeria has expressed concerns over Tobi Amusan’s doping allegations ahead of the Budapest 2023 World Championships, News About Nigeria reports.
Nigeria’s athlete was recently embroiled in controversy as the World Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) filed doping charges against her.
The reigning world champion and women’s 100m hurdles world record holder is accused of missing three out-of-competition dope tests, casting a shadow over her participation in the upcoming Budapest 2023 World Championships.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) expressed deep concern about the charges, acknowledging the potential impact of this on Amusan’s athletic career.
The AFN President, Tonobok Okowa Wednesday, expressed his distress, saying, “I have not been myself since the news broke out last night.
“I don’t think she is out of the World Championships yet. It will depend on what happens at the arbitration panel.
“Our prayer now is for the AIU to give Tobi fast hearing. If she is cleared before the World Championships, then she can compete for us. But I am really worried,” he added.
The Federation’s Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, also expressed hope for Amusan’s exoneration, but recent suspensions and bans on Nigerian athletes have raised concerns about potential biases against Africans in international sports.
United States-based sprinter, Grace Nwokocha, who faced drug-related offenses resulting in the loss of her Commonwealth gold medal, voiced her frustration as well.
She said: “Something is definitely not right somewhere, and no one is ready to contest with these people.
“This hatred is increasing daily, and everyone is acting cold on it. What I can sense here is that they are trying to bring Africans down because they look down on us too much.”
However, a member of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Commission offered a different perspective, while speaking to sources, emphasizing the importance of athletes adhering to anti-doping rules and protocols.
“The rules are very clear, and I expect a top athlete of Amusan’s caliber to know. Sometimes, our athletes do more harm than good to themselves.”
The official recalled an incident during the National Trials where athletes disrupted an anti-doping seminar, raising concerns about the need for greater accountability and understanding within the sporting community.
Meanwhile, Amusan remains undaunted as she believes she will be cleared before the tournament kicks off.
