By Andrew Abah, Abuja
A new chapter in grassroots sports development and athlete welfare has begun in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Association (AFSA) and Everight Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre.
The agreement, sealed in Abuja on Thursday, is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles through sports, with a strong emphasis on medical screening, anti-doping compliance and preventive healthcare for athletes.
Speaking at the ceremony, AFSA Director-General, Mr. Clinton Agbo, described the partnership as a “historic moment” that could reshape the future of Nigerian sports.
“Today, we are engaging in this marriage, which is very important to us,” Agbo said. “We are all aware of what happened during the Tokyo Olympics, where the country was embarrassed after some of our athletes failed mandatory tests. We have also seen medals withdrawn from Nigerian athletes due to doping violations. This partnership ensures we align with global best practices, especially now that the anti-doping law has been signed.”
Agbo stressed that although AFSA operates from Abuja, its vision extends beyond the FCT. He noted that the association oversees 48 sporting bodies — the largest network of its kind on the African continent — positioning it to drive reforms from the grassroots.
“If we get it right in Abuja, Nigeria indeed Africa will get it right,” he said. “This collaboration allows us to catch athletes young, particularly at the secondary school level, ensuring they are medically fit and properly guided from the outset of their careers.”
He added that access to credible medical testing within Nigeria would also boost the chances of local athletes securing contracts abroad, noting that many international clubs require rigorous health checks before signing players.
On his part, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Everight Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Everest Okpara, underscored the critical role of early medical screening in safeguarding athletes’ lives and careers.
“Our athletes face numerous health challenges, many of which go undetected until it is too late,” Okpara said. “We have lost promising talents in the past due to undiagnosed conditions. If these issues are identified early, they can be treated, allowing athletes to continue their careers safely.”
He argued that Nigeria’s vast population should translate into global sporting success, but lamented the lack of investment in sports science and preventive healthcare systems.
“This partnership is about creating a clear pathway for sports development in this country,” he added. “Nations with smaller populations excel because they invest heavily in performance science and health systems.”
Also speaking, Everight’s Business Development Manager, Mr. Ewuzie Onyeka, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, which includes outreach programmes in schools and campaigns against drug abuse.
“This initiative will provide athletes with access to routine medical screening, early detection services and continuous health monitoring — areas often neglected at the grassroots level,” Onyeka said. “Beyond sports, we will engage schools to promote preventive healthcare and address issues such as drug abuse among young people.”
He noted that the collaboration would incorporate awareness campaigns and data-driven approaches to improve athlete performance and well-being, while also tackling social challenges affecting youth development.
Under the agreement, athletes and sports stakeholders are expected to benefit from subsidised diagnostic services, while large-scale free screening programmes will be organised to encourage wider participation.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the partnership would not only improve athlete health and performance but also restore integrity and professionalism within Nigeria.
