Former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye, has urged stakeholders in the sports to stand by Tobi Amusan who is currently trying to clear her name of doping allegations.
OsunDailyNG reported recently that Nigerian track and field record-breaking athlete Tobi Amusan has been accused by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of failing multiple drug tests, an allegation that could destroy her blossoming career.
Due to the allegation, Amusan has already been suspended from participating in any event after winning three successive tournaments in 2023.
The current world record holder in the 100m women’s hurdles has vowed to clear her name before the commencement of the 2023 World Athletics Championships which will start on August 19.
If the 26-year-old record-breaking athlete fails to clear her name before then, Tobi Amusan would remain banned from the sport and would miss the opportunity of defending her title at the tournament next month.
In reaction to the doping scandal, Sunday Adeleye called on the current leadership of the AFN to stand by Tobi Amusan as she fights to avoid the career-destroying “sledgehammer” of the AIU.
“When it comes to Nigerian or African athletes, they (AIU) are always coming with a sledgehammer,” the former technical director of AFN told Punch.
“We must stand with her (Amusan). She did not test positive unlike other athletes did. We don’t have a strong federation and that is why these things are happening now.
“When Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for marijuana, the wife of the former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, Michelle, stood by her.
“Also the case of 400m world champion Salwa Eid Naser isn’t different from this. She missed all three tests. So, who is talking in Nigeria on her behalf? Who is fighting for Tobi?
“She is the only world champion and world record holder Nigeria has and if the country allows the AIU to squeeze her and throw her under the carpet, that is all. The World Championships are coming. Do you think the US wants you to pick it? They don’t. So, that is it.”
