Nigeria rejects WADA’s non-compliance claim, possible sanctions delayed

The Nigerian National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADO) has rejected claim that it has yet to address several critical requirements following an audit carried
out by World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA, in late 2022.

WADA, in a statement issued on Friday, December 8, 2023 revealed it received a formal notification from the Nigerian NADO that they dispute WADA’s allegation
of non-compliance.

Quoting article 9.3.1 of the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), WADA says Nigeria NADOs had 21 days following the date of
receipt of the formal notice of non-compliance to dispute the allegation of non-compliance and/or the consequences and/or the reinstatement conditions
proposed by the Agency.

Following the decision of the Nigerian NADO, WADA says it will take the case to the Court of Arbitration in Lausanee, Switzerland for final adjudication.

‘WADA will shortly refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for its consideration. As such, the consequences will not apply until CAS
makes its ruling,’ WADA wrote in the press release.

Sportsnow learnt this could be a delay tactics by Nigeria to avert an immediate ban from WADA.

With WADA cases taking ages to address, it is believed Nigeria will not face the disgrace of not having its anthem and it’s flag flown at the African Games
in Ghana in March and the Olympics in Paris, France in August.

WADA had threatened among other sanctions that Nigeria will not be awarded the right to host regional, continental and World Championships, and Events organized by Major Event Organizations, until the reinstatement conditions set out is complied with.

It also says Nigeria’s flag will not be flown at regional, continental and World Championships, and Events,organized by Major Event Organizations.

Also, Nigeria’s flag will not be flown at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, until the reinstatement conditions are met.