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.
“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
