By Uzor Odigbo
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) has lifted the two months indefinite suspension it placed on Kwara Athletics Association for ‘associating with Coach Hamid Murtala who was banned by the National Anti – Doping Committee (NADC) for breaching rule 2.9 of the Anti –Doping Rule is provisionally lifted.
This, AFN said is however provisional pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the (NADC)’.
Sequel to this healthy development, the Kwara State AthIetics Association has now been cleared to participate in the forthcoming National Youth Games in Asaba, next month.
“This may have come as a relief to Kwara state athletics Association, it also placed a burden fire brigade preparation in our participation in the Youth Games”, an official said.
A source at Kwara State Athletics Association office in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state informed that the association received a letter to that effect, signed by its Secretary General, Rita Moshindi.
The letter, a copy of which reads thus: ‘This is to bring to your notice that the suspension prevoiusly placed on Kwara State Athletics Association for associating with Coach Hamid Murtala who was banned by the National Anti – Doping Committee (NADC) for breaching rule 2.9 of the Anti Doping Rule is provisionally lifted pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the (NADC).
‘This decision is taken without prejudice so that Kwara State athletes can participate in the forthcoming National Youth Games.’
Recall that Kwara State Athletics Association had kicked against the suspension, arguing that the AFN did not give it a fair hearing.
Kwara AthIetics Association can shine again being reabsorbed into the main stream of AthIetics in Nigeria.
Other States AthIetics Associations would now learn their lessons in distancing themselves from coaches parading as AthIetes drug Marchants.