Rangers, NDLEA Unite Against Drug Abuse in Sports

Rangers International FC has teamed up with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to sensitise players and officials on the dangers of drug abuse as preparations continue for the 2025/2026 NPFL season. The awareness drive took place at the Rangers Players Camp in Enugu, where NDLEA officials held an advocacy session with the team.

Deputy Zonal Commander, Barrister Ekwalor Amaka, delivered a firm message, warning against performance-enhancing drugs. She described them as a “short cut to victory that will in the end amount to nothing,” and urged players to choose discipline and hard work. “It’s better to work tediously to mount the rostrum and crowned champions than cutting corners with the use of illicit drugs that will ultimately lead to disgrace and gnashing of teeth when discovered,” she said.

Representing the General Manager/CEO, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, Administrative Secretary Barrister Alex Egbo thanked the NDLEA for their intervention, noting that Rangers operates a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Team doctor Dr Wen Udeoji reinforced this, assuring that the club “is and will remain a clean club.”

The session ended with an interactive Q&A, a memorabilia exchange, and group photos, all reflecting the shared commitment to integrity in football.

To complement the effort, the club introduced a new Code of Conduct presented by Barrister Egbo. He explained, “It is the understanding of management that this document will serve as a proper guide for every player’s good conduct that will help us achieve our set targets.”

Editorial

We welcome Rangers International’s collaboration with the NDLEA as a model every Nigerian club should embrace. Drug abuse in sport is not only a threat to fair competition but also a danger to the lives and futures of young athletes who may be tempted by quick fixes.

Our football must not be left vulnerable to the scourge of performance-enhancing substances. Each time an athlete takes such a shortcut, they undermine the credibility of the sport, stain their club’s reputation, and risk the disgrace of sanctions. No amount of short-lived success can outweigh the long-term shame of being found guilty of doping.

By partnering with the NDLEA, Rangers are doing more than compliance—they are protecting their players from self-destruction and reinforcing the values of discipline, integrity, and resilience. The inclusion of a Code of Conduct further strengthens this foundation, giving players a roadmap to professionalism on and off the pitch.

We must continue to advocate for other clubs to adopt similar initiatives. Clean football is not just about winning trophies it is about safeguarding the spirit of the game and ensuring that athletes can take pride in honest victories. Rangers have taken a bold step, and the rest of the NPFL should follow.

Did You Know?

1. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) updates its prohibited substances list every year to reflect new performance-enhancing trends.
2. In Nigeria, athletes caught using banned substances can face up to four years of suspension from all competitive sports.
3. Globally, one of the most common doping substances is anabolic steroids, which can cause severe health problems, including heart and liver damage.
4. Education programmes in Africa are increasingly seen as the most effective tool against doping, with many federations prioritising awareness over punishment.
5. The NPFL has partnered with various health bodies in the past, but Rangers’ collaboration with the NDLEA marks one of the first club-level initiatives targeting drug abuse prevention.