The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s inauguration of the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), describing it as a significant step toward strengthening sports integrity in the country.
The board was inaugurated following the passage of the National Anti-Doping Act 2025, a law designed to align Nigeria’s sports administration with global standards under the World Anti-Doping Code.
In a statement, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the development reflected the government’s renewed commitment to improving governance in sports and safeguarding the credibility of Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
He noted that the establishment of the board would enhance accountability in anti-doping enforcement and help rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s sporting reputation, which has been affected by past doping-related incidents.
The NFF also expressed confidence in the leadership of the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NADC, Alhaji Mainasara Illo, commending his experience in managing major sporting events, including the 2003 All-Africa Games and the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted in Nigeria.
According to the federation, Illo’s background positions him to effectively drive the centre’s mandate, particularly in athlete education, doping prevention, enforcement of regulations and protection of clean competitors.
The football body further congratulated Super Eagles team doctor, Dr Ibrahim Gyaran, on his appointment to the Technical Board, describing it as a positive addition to Nigeria’s anti-doping architecture.
The NFF said the initiative marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote fairness, discipline and compliance with international sports standards.
