Lausanne, Switzerland – There is palpable tension within Nigeria’s Sports Ministry and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) as the country awaits the final judgment from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on allegations of non-compliance with the anti-doping code leveled by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The judgment, expected on July 12, could have significant repercussions for Nigeria’s participation in international sports.
In February, WADA referred Nigeria and Venezuela to CAS, citing failure to address “critical requirements” related to anti-doping measures. This followed sanctions imposed on both countries in November of the previous year.
The Guardian has learned that the final judgment will be delivered on Friday, July 12. If Nigeria is found non-compliant, WADA’s Compliance Review Committee has recommended severe penalties, including prohibiting the country’s flag from being flown at the Paris Olympic Games and barring Nigeria from hosting major sporting events until reinstatement conditions are met.
To bolster its defense, Nigeria has engaged three international lawyers who, along with top officials from the Sports Ministry and other government agencies, have already traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland.
A source within the Sports Ministry emphasized the potential embarrassment and repercussions of an unfavorable judgment: “If we lose this case, the consequences will be too embarrassing to Nigeria.
It will mean our athletes going to the Paris Olympics cannot compete in the name of Nigeria. They will be registered individually, and if any of our athletes should win gold, Nigeria’s national anthem will not be played, and our nation’s flag will not be raised. What will be the essence of participating in the Paris Olympics then?”
Nigeria has been on WADA’s Category A list, indicating a high number of athletes with anti-doping cases. The source added, “We are praying and hoping that CAS’ final judgment on July 12 will favor us so that our athletes will be in good spirits during their training tour in Germany ahead of the Paris Olympics.”
While officials from the Sports Ministry have refrained from commenting, a top official of the NOC acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue: “It is a very sensitive issue and we are praying and hoping for a favorable judgment from CAS.”
The outcome of this judgment will be critical in determining Nigeria’s status and participation in upcoming international sporting events, including the Paris Olympics.
