By Tom Degun in New Delhi

October 12 - Samuel Okon has become the second Nigerian to fail a drugs test at the Commonwealth Games.

The 110 metres hurdler tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine just a day after compatriot and women’s 100m champion Osayemi Oludamola failed a test for using the same stimulant.

The 24-year-old Okon, who finished sixth in the 110m hurdles won by England’s Andy Turner, has now been provisionally suspended and faces a hearing later today.
According to Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell, Okon is waiving the right to the B-sample test, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Fennell said: "We are concerned with the number of incidents coming up with the same substance.

"At this stage I cannot speak very definitively as to where it’s coming from but it appears it may the use of supplements.

"The supplements industry is by and large unregulated worldwide and is a cause of great concern, not only for the fight against doping but also the protection of athletes."
Asked when the results for Okon’s B-sample test would be known, Fennell replied: "We have been informed he is waiving the right to the B sample (test) but this has yet to be confirmed.

"We will confirm this at his hearing this afternoon."

The Nigerian team has also been informed it is now being investigated by officials following multiple use of methylhexaneamine, a stimulant added in 2009 to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned drugs but reclassified earlier this year - meaning it can be used with a therapeutic use exception certificate.

"We have already had discussions with the leadership of the Nigerian team, who are themselves taking it very seriously," said Fennell.

"They are very concerned about it."

Organisers have conducted 1,200 of 1,500 doping tests since the start of the Games with the two Nigerian athletes the only ones to have tested positive for banned substances.

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