The captain of two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, Austin Oladapo has declared that he is innocent after a one-year doping ban was slammed on him by Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to the Confederation, Oladapo tested positive for the banned substance “Prednisolone/Prednisone” found in his urine sample which was obtained after Enyimba’s May 16 CAF Confederations Cup tie against the Pyramids FC of Egypt.
Prednisone is considered a steroid and it serves as an anti-inflammation and immunosuppressant medication. It is used in the treatment of allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.
CAF indicated that the ban will be in effect from July 4, 2021, which is the official date of notification of the provisional suspension from the continental body.
The statement CAF reads: “The result of the player Oladapo Augustine urine test in Bottle “A” which was collected in match N °153 between Pyramids FC (Egypt) Vs Enyimba FC (Nigeria), played on 16th of May 2021 in the frame of Total CAF Confederation Cup 2020/2021 was considered positive due to the presence of a prohibited substance “Prednisolone/Prednisone”.
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“On 18th June 2021, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was informed of the result and asked the player to indicate if he wishes to request the analysis of sample “B”.
“On 22nd June, CAF received the reply of Enyimba club through NFF indicating that the player has elected to not request the analysis of the ‘B’ sample.”
“The club had indicated that any trace of the prohibited substance might have resulted from the prescribed medication the player was on during the same period, and they have communicated the club’s doctor’s report detailing the medications that were prescribed.
“The player Oladapo Augustine was provisionally suspended from all football activities until a final decision is rendered by CAF Disciplinary Board,” the statement concluded.
While reacting to the ban, Oladapo vehemently denied the drug use, saying: “I don’t take drugs if the team doctor didn’t prescribe for me. I had pains when we were preparing for the game & I took painkillers prescribed by the team doctor. I don’t drink and smoke. I am shocked.
Oladapo’s side of the matter was backed up by the club. An official was reportedly as insistent on his innocence as the player and said the club had taken steps to seek redress: “We have appealed, he is a clean player.”
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