Nigerian Athlete Blessing Solomon Handed Three-year ban for doping

The Athletics Integrity Unit of World Athletics has handed a three-year ban to Nigeria’s long-distance runner, Blessing Solomon, after she tested positive for a prohibited substance, Trimetazidine.
Trimetazidine is a medication used to prevent angina attacks — sudden pains in the chest, jaw, or back brought on by physical exertion.
It was first classified as a metabolic modulator by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2014 and has since been included on its Prohibited List as a substance banned both in and out of competition.
According to a press statement released by the AIU on Tuesday, Solomon was tested at the Premium Trust Bank Half Marathon held in Abuja last December.
“On February 5, 2026, the AIU notified the athlete of the Adverse Analytical Finding in accordance with Article 5.1.2.1 of the ISRM, including that the Adverse Analytical Finding may result in Anti-Doping Rule Violations pursuant to Rule 2.1 ADR and/or Rule 2.2 ADR, and suspended her provisionally. The athlete was also informed of her rights, inter alia, to request the B Sample analysis, to request copies of the laboratory documentation supporting the Adverse Analytical Finding, and to admit the Anti-Doping Rule Violations and potentially benefit from a one-year reduction in the period of ineligibility pursuant to Rule 10.8.1 ADR by February 12, 2026,” the AIU wrote.
The Punch reports that Solomon, did not contest the charge; therefore, her initial four-year period of ineligibility was reduced to three years, commencing from February 5, 2026.
The AIU also called for the disqualification of Solomon’s results from December 6, 2025, with all resulting consequences, including the forfeiture of any titles, awards, medals, points, prizes, and appearance money.
At the Abuja Half Marathon, Solomon finished second in a time of 1:16:28.69, behind Kenya’s Mercy Jepkemoi, who won in 1:14:53.28.