Categories: NewsSports

Blessing Okagbare Banned From Tokyo Olympics After Failing Drug Test

One of Nigeria’s brightest chances of a medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Blessing Okagbare, has been provisionally suspended from the competition.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the independent body created by the World Athletics that manages all integrity issues for the sport, announced the decision on Friday.

According to the AIU, Okagbare tested positive for Human Growth Hormone.

“Growth Hormone is a non-specified substance on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and a provisional suspension is mandatory following an adverse analytical finding for such substance under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules,” the AIU said in its statement.

“The AIU collected the sample from Ms. Okagbare during an out-of-competition test on 19 July. The WADA-accredited laboratory that analysed the sample notified the AIU of the adverse analytical finding at mid-day Central European Time yesterday, Friday 30 July.

“The athlete was notified of the adverse analytical finding and of her provisional suspension this morning in Tokyo.

“She was scheduled to participate in the semi-finals of the women’s 100m this evening.

“The AIU will make no further comment on this matter at this time.”

Okagbare and another Nigerian sprinter, Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, had earlier qualified from their respective heats for the semi-finals.

But the ban means the end of the road for Okagbare, who was participating in her third Olympics.

Her suspension is the latest blow for Team Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics.

On Thursday, the AIU had disqualified 10 Nigerian athletes from the Tokyo games for not complying with out-of-competition drug testing requirements.

editor

Recent Posts

Empowering Women At Work: How Union Bank’s Family-Friendly Revolution Is Setting New Standards

Union Bank of Nigeria stands at the forefront of the nation’s financial sector, leading the…

2 hours ago

Win Big With AGII.NG! ‘Buy & Win’ & ‘Subscribe & Win’ Promos Offer Millions Weekly

Nigeria’s leading indigenous e-commerce and tech-driven service platform, agii.ng, has launched two exciting promotional campaigns,…

3 hours ago

Union Bank Responds To High Court Ruling On NICON Investments Limited, Global Fleet And Jimoh Ibrahim Case

Union Bank has responded to the High Court ruling on NICON Investments Limited, Global Fleet…

2 days ago

BREAKING: NECO Releases 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination Results

NECO has released the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination results.   Glamtush reports that the…

2 days ago

The Alternative Bank Champions Bold Action For Africa’s Future Ahead Of ASIS 2025 Summit

The Alternative Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable development across Africa ahead of…

2 days ago

MaWhoo Takes Her Throne As Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador For July

MaWhoo has taken her throne as Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador for July.   Glamtush reports…

2 days ago