Athletics Federation of Nigeria is facing a fresh doping crisis, as a member of the Nigeria women 4x100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has failed a dope test.
The team featuring Tobi Amusan, RoseMary Chukwuma, Favour Ofili and Grace Nwaokocha, won the gold with a new African record of 42.10s. But this would now amount to nothing as the anchor of the race Nwaokacha is in the dope dragnet.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has been notified of the development by the World Anti-doping agency as the confirmation of the B sample is still being awaited. As a rule the team would be stripped of the medal and the performance, if the athlete is not exonerated.
AFN president Tonobok expressed shock at the turn of events saying: “I’m not yet aware of any positive test, but that would be shocking.”
However, AFN sources confirmed that a letter has been sent to the federation. “Maybe the secretary-general has not briefed the president and the members.”
Sure the experience would be bitter for the rest of the team who celebrated the medal like their lives depended on it. This is because they narrowly missed the podium at the World Championships in Oregon USA.
Tobi Amusan, RoseMary Chukwuma, Favour Ofili and Grace Nwaokocha