AFCON 2023: CAF clears Osimhen, Simon, Troost-Ekong after anti-doping check

Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen (C) reacts next to his teammates during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 18, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Nigeria Super Eagles trio Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong came out clean after an anti-doping test was conducted on them at the ongoing AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Guardian gathered that the test carried out on them did not detect any presence of a prohibited substance.

This means the three players are clear to feature for the Eagles against Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday.

According to CAF, it is mandated that the football body’s Doping Control Officer will conduct the sample collection in their capacity as a CAF Doping Officer following the COVID-19 new measures.

In principle, two players from each team will be tested at the end of each match by the CAF/FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations.

However, the CAF Doping Control Officer is authorized to select additional players for sample collection without giving any reason.

Also, the players to be tested shall be selected via targeted or random methods by the CAF Doping Control Officer.

These players are required to provide urine samples and blood samples, as requested.

Meanwhile, Friday’s quarter-final clash between the Super Eagles and Angola will be the first time both teams will meet at the AFCON.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.

Follow Us