Former Nigeria U17 World Cup winner Orji Okwonkwo has made his return from a drug ban imposed on him by FIFA with a loan move to second division Serie a side Cittadella from Bologna, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Okwonkwo was banned for four years by FIFA after testing positive for the steroid clostebol during a loan spell at the same club he just joined Cittadella.
Clostebol, which the player said he used to treat a problematic knee, is on the World Anti-Doping Code prohibited list.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee extended the Nado Italia sanctions to have “worldwide effect”, according to its chairperson Jorge Ivan Palacio.
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“Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian Nado on 20 June 2022,” read a Fifa statement.
“More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the decision.
The initial ban was later reduced by two years, until 24 February 2024.
On 1 February 2024, he was loaned to Reggiana from Bologna, made 15 appearances for the Reggio side.
Okonkwo rejoined AS Cittadella on a new loan on 16 January and made his second debut as substitute in the 1-2 loss to Mantova.
The 27 year old was a key part of the Nigeria U17 team that won the 2015 U17 World Cup alongside the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze among others.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
