In recent years, Nigerian athletics has witnessed a troubling rise in anti-doping violations, with several high-profile athletes receiving bans ranging from short-term suspensions to lifetime exclusions. These sanctions, issued by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), stem from a variety of offences, including missed tests, the use of anabolic steroids, and attempts to tamper with doping controls. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the athletes, their offences, and the duration of their bans.

Imaobong Nse Uko – Banned Until July 2026 (2-Year Ban)

The AIU, in its June 2025 sanctions list, confirmed that Imaobong Nse Uko, a promising quarter-miler, committed an anti-doping rule violation related to whereabouts failures. She reportedly missed three doping tests within a 12-month period, triggering a mandatory suspension.

• Violation date: June 5, 2024

• Ineligibility period: Until July 23, 2026

• Sanction: Two-year ban, with all results since the infraction date disqualified

Uko had previously risen to prominence after winning three gold medals at the 2021 World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, excelling in the 400m, 4x400m relay, and the mixed 4x400m relay.

Stephen Eloji – Banned Until June 2028 (4-Year Ban)

Sprinter and hurdler Stephen Eloji, aged 25, tested positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone, a banned anabolic steroid, in an out-of-competition test conducted in Nigeria on May 2, 2024.

• Ban duration: Four years

• Ineligibility until: June 2028

Eloji had an active 2024 season in the U.S. collegiate circuit, posting competitive times in the 110m hurdles and relay events. His ban has abruptly halted what appeared to be a promising career trajectory.

Ada Princess Bright – Banned Until September 2027 (4-Year Ban)

Ada Princess Bright tested positive for Metenolone, a powerful anabolic steroid, during the National Athletics Trials in Benin City on July 6, 2023. As a result, she is serving a four-year suspension.

• Ban ends: September 2027

Before her suspension, she competed extensively across national events in Lagos, Uyo, and Benin and secured a relay gold medal at the 2023 African U20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia.

Grace Nwokocha – Banned Until August 2025 (3-Year Ban)

Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist Grace Nwokocha received a three-year suspension for testing positive for SARMS, including Ostarine and Ligandrol, during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

• Ban duration: Three years

• Ineligibility until: August 2, 2025

Her suspension led to Nigeria being stripped of its 4x100m women’s relay gold medal at the Games. Nwokocha had earlier qualified for the Tokyo Olympics and reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

Yinka Ajayi – Banned Until January 2030 (8-Year Ban)

400m specialist and former Olympian Yinka Ajayi is serving an eight-year ban following multiple anti-doping violations. Her original four-year ban stemmed from a Metenolone positive test in December 2021 during an out-of-competition test in the U.S. An additional four years were added in 2024 for tampering violations.

• Final ban end date: January 25, 2030

Ajayi had previously represented Nigeria at the Olympic level and was a prominent name in the country’s sprinting scene.

Glory Okon – Banned Until January 2026 (4-Year Ban)

Glory Okon tested positive for Metenolone during an out-of-competition test in Nigeria on December 2, 2021. As a result, she received a four-year ban.

• Ban ends: January 2026

Okon had a promising career, having won gold in the 400m at the 2019 African U-20 Championships and competed at the 2021 National Sports Festival in Benin City.

Blessing Okagbare – Banned Until July 2031 (10-Year Ban)

Once the face of Nigerian athletics, Blessing Okagbare received a 10-year ban for multiple anti-doping violations, including use of human growth hormone and EPO in June 2021.

• Initial ban: Announced in February 2022

• Extended ban: One additional year added in June 2022

• Total ban duration: 10 years

• Ineligibility until: July 2031

Okagbare’s positive test occurred during the Tokyo Olympics, and her case remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile doping scandals. She was also implicated in the Eric Lira doping investigation, the first conviction under the U.S. Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act.

Divine Oduduru – Banned Until February 2029 (6-Year Ban)

Sprinter Divine Oduduru received a six-year ban from the AIU following his involvement in the Tokyo 2020 doping conspiracy, which included possession and attempted use of banned substances.

• Ban effective from: February 9, 2023

• Ban ends: February 8, 2029

His case was connected to the Eric Lira investigation, the same network that implicated Blessing Okagbare. Oduduru, a standout NCAA athlete, saw his career abruptly derailed by the doping allegations.

Henry Azike – Lifetime Ban

Henry Azike was permanently banned after testing positive for Metenolone. Because this was his second anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), the AIU imposed a lifetime suspension.

• Last competition: 2011 (Doha Amir Cup and Nigerian Championships)

His repeated violations triggered the automatic enforcement of a lifetime ban under international anti-doping regulations.

Vivian Chukwuemeka – Lifetime Ban

Two-time Olympian and African record holder Vivian Chukwuemeka is also serving a lifetime ban. She tested positive for Stanozolol at the 2012 National Championships in Calabar, marking her second doping offence.

• Previous ban: Two years (following a 2009 positive test)

Chukwuemeka’s career achievements include winning the 2002 Commonwealth Games shot put gold and multiple African titles. Her lifetime ban underscores the severity of repeat offences in athletics.

Conclusion: A Sport at a Crossroads

Nigeria’s growing list of doping violations paints a concerning picture of systemic issues within the nation’s athletic program. While some athletes claim ignorance or negligence, the AIU’s rulings indicate deliberate actions in several cases. The implications extend beyond personal careers—national medals have been revoked, team standings have suffered, and the country’s global reputation continues to face scrutiny.

As anti-doping bodies step up surveillance and penalties, this period serves as a critical juncture for Nigerian athletics. The need for better education, rigorous testing, and ethical accountability is more urgent than ever if the nation hopes to restore trust and develop future champions the right way.