Doping Scandal: Nigeria’s gold medal, African record at risk as Nwokocha suspended

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has slammed a provisional suspension on Nigerian sprinter Grace Nwokocha for use of banned substances at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games.

Nwokocha was part of the quartet that won gold in the 4x100m relay at the event.

She was suspended by the world body for the use of Ostarine and Ligandrol, two anabolic agents prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Both were found in Nwokocha’s blood sample.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Nigerian runner, Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (Ostarine & Ligandrol) (Article 2.1 and Article 2.2),” the body said in a statement on Twitter.

A provisional suspension means an athlete is temporarily banned from competition before a final decision is taken at a hearing conducted under WADA rules.

Nwokocha, 21, ran the anchor leg in Birmingham last month as Nigeria beat England and Jamaica to take gold in record-breaking fashion at the Commonwealth Games.

The trio of Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma and Tobi Amusan were the other members of the winning quartet that set a new African Record of 42.10s.

The Editorial reported that the latest development puts Nigeria’s gold medal and African record achieved at the games at risk of being expunged.

The doping rule nullifies any performance in its entirety, even if just a member of the team is guilty of the doping infraction.