Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru bags six-year doping ban

Nigerian athlete Divine Oduduru has been handed a six-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following two doping violations.

The AIU imposed a four-year ban for the possession of prohibited substances and an additional two years for “aggravating circumstances.”

In addition to the ban, Oduduru has been ordered to pay $3,000 to World Athletics to cover legal fees and other expenses related to the case.

The case is in relation with that of Oduduru’s fellow compatriot Blessing Okagbare, who is facing an 11-year ban for doping violations since 2022.

The AIU’s investigation on Oduduru’s case revealed that there are plots between athletes and external parties to corrupt the integrity of athletics at the highest level.

Despite Oduduru’s claims of innocence initially, the ban will keep him ineligible from participating in competitive athletics for the next six years.

Oduduru specializes in the 100 meters and 200 meters dash. He holds personal bests of 9.86 seconds for the 100m and 19.73 seconds for the 200m.