AFN blasts Gadzama, suspends Kwara over presence of banned coach at Golden League

Running tracks at a stadium

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has suspended Kwara State Athletics Association from all athletics activities in the country due to its association with Hammid Muritala, a track and field coach banned by the Nigeria Anti-Doping Committee.                                     Coach Muri, as he is fondly called, was banned for anti-doping rules violation for a period of 10 years for allegedly doping a junior athlete at the National Youth Games held in Ilorin, Kwara State in 2021.  

Despite his ban, the coach is said to be parading himself around and coaching athletes at athletics competitions with the knowledge of Kwara State Athletics Association.  

According to the AFN, ‘’this action also amounts to violation of Rule 2.9 of World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.”  

Meanwhile, some board members of the AFN have lambasted the 1st Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, over his declaration, yesterday, that he was not aware of the suspension placed on coach Muritala.  

“Gadzama has just displayed to the entire world that he is only interested in issues that concern money in the AFN. How come he is claiming not to be aware of the suspension of a Kwara coach, who is trying to bring shame to Nigeria athletics? It is a big shame that Gadzama is throwing stone at the glass house, which he occupies. The Nigeria anti doping committee did its finding on the coach and suspended him. The decision was communicated to every board member, including Gadzama. How come he is claiming ignorance of it? He should resign from the AFN board, if he no longer has the interest of Nigeria athletics at heart,” a board member said.  

Speaking further, the AFN board member said; “Gadzama claimed that he saw the suspended coach