warns Athletes against the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs
Former Super Eagles Player and Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association, Patrick Pascal, says his support for sports development goes beyond football .
Pascal, who described sports as a unifying tool in an interview with journalists recently in Abuja, stressed that his commitment was not limited to football alone.
“For me, sports are one. When I was young, I played volleyball and basketball before concentrating fully on football.
“Today, God has blessed me in football, but that does not separate me from other sports,” he said.
According to him, he sponsors grassroots competitions in volleyball and basketball in Bauchi State, adding that he grew up with many coaches and players across different sports.
“I see myself as part of them. I feel happy whenever I come to watch volleyball, basketball, handball or even athletics. Some of them need encouragement and motivation.
“If football has been a blessing to us, we must also carry other sports along and make them feel they are part of the system,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to encouraging young athletes across all sporting disciplines, adding that sports development in Bauchi was a collective effort that benefits the community.
Speaking on the association’s agenda, Pascal emphasized that grassroots development remained his top priority.
“Our key focus is grassroots development. We want to nurture young talents and give them better opportunities to play for the country or professional clubs.
“Football is no longer just for leisure; it is now a business,” he said.
He stressed the importance of exposure through competitions and scouting programmes.
“We educate them to take part in competitions wherever they have the opportunity. Exposure is very important. If they stay in one place, it will not help them,” he said.
Pascal said that the association organised scouting programmes in Bauchi, and also encouraged players to participate in opportunities outside the state to become part of the larger football ecosystem.
He added that the association took deliberate steps to sensitize players at all levels on the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs.
“We educate them, including those without formal education, that taking drugs will not help them. If you are caught, it will be a disaster for your career.
“There is no room for drugs in sports. It is cheating. You must use your natural strength and energy. When you use substances to gain extra advantage, you are cheating your opponent,” he said.
Pascal warned that several athletes had seen their careers ruined due to doping violations and urged young sportsmen and women to remain disciplined.
“At the end of the day, when you are caught, your career is finished. That is why we continue to guide and educate them, especially the younger ones to stay away from drugs,” he said.
He maintained that athletes must rely on their natural abilities and avoid prohibited substances to safeguard their careers and uphold fair play.
Pascal expressed satisfaction with the standard of play at the ongoing 20th Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) in Abuja.
He also commended the organisers of the 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup.
Credit: Aderonke Ojo
