The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says there is a need for drug tests on sportsmen and women embarking on tournaments to combat the rising cases of drug abuse.

“Before any state contingents leave for a tournament, there must be a drug test, and we will take this evangelism to our sporting men and women,” Kayode Raji, NDLEA commander in Ondo State, said Sunday.

He made this position known at a one-day sensitisation workshop to discourage drug abuse among athletes and fans in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend.

Peoples Gazette reports that the event, titled “Drug Abuse—Battling A Menace In Nigerian Sports,” was held in partnership with the Ondo chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Mr Raji, who observed how drug abuse is gradually ‘creeping’ into sports games, lamented how the scourge had been destroying the careers of athletes and their development.

“Drugs do nobody any good. It is a scourage; without it, nobody would be willing to commit any crime. We’ve discovered that this evil is creeping into our sports.

“There is no sports that will have drugs in its sports system that will succeed. Drugs are nobody’s friend. The authority is saying drugs should not creep into sport,” he said.

While observing the consequences of drugs, the NDLEA chief expressed the commitment of the agency to eradicating the abuse and the notion of drug enhancement among athletes.

He added that the agency would also provide support for those already affected by the scourge, stressing that the society must be cleared of drugs.

Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, said the state government would join in the fight against drug use.

On his part, SWAN chairman in the state, Segun Giwa, stressed that sports writers must also actively participate in raising awareness and educating athletes.

“Let us all work together to create a drug-free sports culture in Nigeria. A culture that values hard work, dedication, and fair play,” Mr Giwa said.