Troubled Nigerian sprinter opens up on tempestuous journey after AIU ban

Nigerian sprinter Divine Oduduru has revealed the emotional toll of his doping scandal, disclosing that he attempted suicide four times since his suspension.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the 27-year-old opened up about his mental health struggles, expressed gratitude to his supporters, and hinted at plans to share his side of the story in upcoming interviews and a live Instagram session.

Tanzanian Filbert Bayi donates historic singlet to Museum of World Athletics

“I attempted suicide four times, just wanted to end everything, because all these things that happened are still a shock to me. After all the years of sacrifice,” Oduduru wrote, attributing his prolonged silence to his mental health battles.

Once celebrated as one of Nigeria’s fastest sprinters, Oduduru’s career took a sharp downturn in February 2023 when he was provisionally suspended for doping violations.

After a detailed investigation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) handed him a six-year ban for possessing and attempting to use prohibited substances.

The ban, retroactively applied from 9 February 2023, extends to 8 February 2029. In addition, all of Oduduru’s results from 12 July 2021, to his suspension date have been annulled.

The doping charges against Oduduru are tied to a broader criminal investigation into Eric Lira, the first individual prosecuted under the U.S. Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. Lira was found to have supplied performance-enhancing drugs to several athletes, including fellow Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare, who is currently serving an 11-year ban.

The AIU identified Oduduru as “Athlete-2” in its findings, citing WhatsApp messages, photographic evidence, and other records linking him to banned substances such as human growth hormone (Somatropin) and recombinant erythropoietin (EPO).

These “aggravating circumstances” led to an extension of his mandatory four-year ban by an additional two years.

Angela Okutoyi's W35 tournament double attempt thwarted

Before the scandal, Oduduru was a beacon of hope for Nigerian athletics.

He burst onto the scene as a double gold medalist in the 100m and 200m at the 2018 African Championships.

Representing Texas Tech University, he dominated the NCAA circuit, becoming a champion in both events and clocking personal bests of 9.86 seconds in the 100m and 19.73 seconds in the 200m.

Known for his infectious personality and his viral catchphrase, “I never esperrerit,” Oduduru was a fan favorite and a symbol of national pride. His achievements elevated him to the status of one of Africa’s fastest men, earning admiration at home and abroad.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Oduduru has continued to maintain his innocence, pledging to reveal his side of the story.

“I will be granting interviews, and I am working on coming live on my Instagram to tell my side of what happened,” he wrote in his Facebook post.