‘My conscience is clear’ — Austin Oladapo talks CAF doping ban

Oladapo Augustine, Enyimba FC captain, says he has a “clear conscience” after he was hit with a doping ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

TheCable had reported on July 26 that the midfielder tested positive for prednisolone/prednisone.

Speaking on his one-year ban, Oladapo said he is still in shock over the positive result of his test.

“The only thing that’s making me strong about it all is my clear conscience. Because I don’t do such and I have always relied on my natural strength to play my games,” Oladapo told TheCable.

“When the news came to me, I was shocked because of the kind of person I am. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. Not to talk of drugs.

“And I have done this test couple of times and it’s been coming out negative. I did the test in the national team in 2018, I have done it in CAF games twice. This is my fourth time. And it all came out negative. So, I am surprised about this one that came out positive.

“I don’t even know the drug Prednisone. I have never heard the name of the drug before. It’s a surprise to me.

“The medication I took then was because of COVID and it was prescribed by my club doctor and not prohibited substance. And I did not take the medication recently. But it was not to enhance my performance in any way.

Enyimba had thrown its weight behind Oladapo and said he had been on a preventive COVID-specific treatment after being diagnosed with malaria and that may have played a role in the positive test result.

Felix Anyansi Agwu, chairman of the club, had also said the People’s Elephant will appeal the ban.