The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the
disqualification of the Nigerian athletes on Monday.
The AFN, which has been plagued by power tussle for several
years, said they would take responsibility for the lapses that led to the
disqualification.
“The AFN bears responsibility for any lapses that may have
occurred during the process and reassures Nigerians that our performances (at
Tokyo Olympics) will not be negatively impacted,” it said in a statement.
“All our athletes resident in Nigeria and who qualified for
the Olympic Games completed the three mandatory tests,” it said.
“Most of our top athletes resident in the USA also completed
their tests,” the AFN said.
“However, a few athletes in the American collegiate system
were tested, but those tests were deemed not to have complied with WADA (world
anti-doping agency) sample collection and analysis standards.”
The AFN said it had appointed a top official to head its
medical and anti-doping commission.
Star sprinter Blessing Okagbare, who will compete in the
100m and 200m in Tokyo, was critical of the country´s sports officials.
“The sport system in Nigeria is so flawed and we athletes
are always at the receiving end of the damages,” she said.
“They were busy fighting over power, exercising their pride
over Puma contract/kits forgetting their major responsibility – the athletes.
“It´s sad that this cycle keeps repeating itself and some
people will come out to say I am arrogant for speaking my truth. It´s my
career,” she added.
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