Another Nigerian Athlete Banned For Doping, Blessing Solomon Receives Three‑Year Suspension
✍️ By Teju/ February 17, 2026/ 12:45pm
Nigeria’s athletics community has been dealt another blow after a long‑distance runner was banned for doping, highlighting ongoing challenges for clean sport in the country.
Blessing Solomon, a Nigerian long‑distance runner, has been slapped with a three‑year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a prohibited substance at the Abuja Premium Trust Half Marathon.
According to the AIU ruling, this is Solomon’s first Anti‑Doping Rule Violation. She chose not to contest the disciplinary decision, effectively bringing the matter to a close at the AIU level.
As a result of the ban, Solomon will be sidelined from all competitions until early February 2029, and her results from the December 2025 race where the positive test occurred have been struck from official records.
The sanction represents another setback for Nigerian athletics, which has seen multiple athletes sanctioned for anti‑doping violations in recent years. In previous cases, high‑profile competitors such as quarter‑miler Imaobong Nse Uko and sprinter Divine Oduduru have also faced suspensions for anti‑doping rule breaches, adding to concerns about compliance and athlete education.
The decision also highlights the strict global enforcement of anti‑doping regulations under the World Athletics code, which gives athletes and national bodies the right to appeal but ensures transparency and integrity in sport.
As Nigeria continues to strive for excellence on the world stage, authorities and sports administrators are expected to intensify education and testing efforts to prevent further violations and protect clean athletes.
