June 17, (THEWILL) – The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has taken action against the Kwara State Athletics Association, suspending them from all athletics activities in the country.
The suspension comes as a result of the association’s affiliation with Hammid Muritala, a track and field coach, who has been banned by the Nigeria Anti-Doping Committee. Coach Muritala, also known as Coach Muri, was found guilty of violating anti-doping rules and received a 10-year ban for allegedly doping a junior athlete at the National Youth Games in Kwara State in 2022.
Despite the ban, Coach Muri has reportedly continued his involvement in athletics competitions, coaching athletes with the knowledge and support of the Kwara State Athletics Association. The AFN has stated that this action by the association is a violation of Rule 2.9 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules. The suspension of the Kwara State Athletics Association will remain in effect until further investigations are conducted.
The recent suspension has led to a clash within the AFN, with some board members criticising the 1st Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, for claiming ignorance of Coach Muritala’s suspension. One board member strongly condemned Gadzama’s behaviour, accusing him of prioritising financial matters over the interests of Nigerian athletics. The board member stated that Gadzama’s failure to report the presence of the banned coach during the National Sports Festival in Asaba raised concerns about his compliance with World Athletics rules.
The board member called for Gadzama’s resignation from the AFN board, warning of potential repercussions from World Athletics if he remains in office.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
