Embattled Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare appears to be in more trouble as the Athletics Integrity Unit has announced that the banned athlete has committed additional anti-doping violations – specifically evading sample collection, and tampering or attempted tampering with the doping control process.
This latest development means Okagbare’s initial 10 year ban has will be extended by one year.
It also means Nigeria has lost its potential qualification place in the Women’s 4x100m relay at the 2022 World Athletics Championship as six days after Okagbare evaded sample collection, she competed in the 4x100m relay event at the Nigeria Olympic trials, with her relay squad qualifying for the World Championship
Read Also : Blessing Okagbare banned 10 years for breaching anti-doping rules
All individual and relay results involving Okagbare, from 13 June 2021, are now disqualified under the rules.
In February this year, the disciplinary tribunal banned Okagbare for 10 years, made up of two consecutive five-year bans for the presence and use of multiple prohibited substances, and her refusal to co-operate with the investigation into her case.
Editor Oloyede Oworu
