HFN Medical and Anti-Doping Commission Hosts Enlightenment Education and Awareness Session for Coaches and Players

The Medical and Anti-Doping Commission of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) on Sunday, November 30, 2025, held a highly impactful Education and Awareness Interactive Session for coaches, technical officials, and players participating in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2. 

The session took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports, Surulere, Lagos, and formed part of the federation’s commitment to promoting clean sport and safeguarding athlete welfare.

The programme was anchored by Dr. Adebukola Bojuwoye, Director of the Sports Medicine Directorate, Lagos State Sports Commission and a member of the Medical & Scientific Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and his presentation focused extensively on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs, safe medication practices, and modern approaches to athlete recovery.

Dr. Bojuwoye emphasized that many athletes unknowingly jeopardize their health by taking medication unnecessarily. Using paracetamol as an example, he explained that pain relievers should only be taken when medically required.

“There is absolutely no need to take paracetamol if you are not in pain. Proper training schedules, appropriate loading, and adequate rest should naturally help the body manage discomfort. Athletes must understand that medication is not the first option,” he said.

He further highlighted the value of non-pharmacological recovery methods such as ice baths and ice massages, adding that when medication becomes necessary, it must strictly be prescribed by a qualified Doctor. 

Dr. Bojuwoye also noted that while drugs like paracetamol and diclofenac may be safe when prescribed, their misuse can pose health risks.

In addressing performance-enhancing substances, the medical expert, issued strong warnings on the use of opioids and steroidal analgesics, citing tramadol as a major concern.

“Opioids, including tramadol, have serious negative effects on athletes. Unfortunately, tramadol has become not only a sports problem but also a social and economic challenge in Nigeria,” he added.

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih (FNSQS) accompanied by federation board members and the Secretary-General, Mrs. Monica Otumala attended the session and commended the resource person for the depth of information shared.

He also requested that a formal list of prohibited substances be provided to ensure that all teams and athletes are properly guided.

In response, Dr. Bojuwoye assured the federation that he would develop a comprehensive list of banned substances to be distributed to all participating clubs and published on the HFN website.

He urged players to take personal responsibility by asking questions about any medication administered to them, stressing that ignorance is not an excuse in anti-doping regulations.

As the session concluded, Mr. Jibril expressed gratitude to Dr. Bojuwoye for the enlightening engagement and encouraged athletes to refrain from taking any substance prohibited in sports.

“These drugs may not only harm your health but could destroy your careers, especially when you move abroad or turn professional,” he cautioned.

He also revealed that beginning from next season, all league teams will be mandated to provide health insurance for every registered player.

“Our players are valuable assets. We must ensure they are well cared for, especially when they suffer injuries. Health insurance will soon become a compulsory requirement for every team,” he announced.

The session was widely applauded by participants, marking a major step forward in the federation’s drive to uphold integrity, protect athletes, and ensure a cleaner sporting environment across Nigerian handball.