The ruling will address allegations by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that Nigeria is non-compliant with the anti-doping code. With just over two weeks until the Olympics in Paris, the participation of Nigerian athletes hangs in the balance. 

An unfavourable judgment could result in Nigeria and its athletes losing certain privileges at the Games and in future editions. Despite this, Popoola emphasised that the NOC has taken all necessary steps to resolve the issue. 

"We have moved beyond the risk of failure. We have done virtually everything necessary, and it’s now up to the court. There is no cause for alarm, and we will continue to operate as expected," Popoola told Punch. “One thing is that the anti-doping committee is supposed to be independent and once we have done that and other necessary things, things will be alright.”

Ahead of Friday's judgment, top officials from the Ministry of Sports Development, other government agencies, and three international lawyers hired to defend the case are reportedly in Lausanne, Switzerland for the hearing. The allegations of non-compliance and their consequences are expected to take effect immediately for Nigeria following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling on 12 July.

If Nigeria is found guilty, the punishments recommended by WADA’s Compliance Review Committee include prohibiting the country's flag from being flown at the Paris Olympic Games and other competitions.

This means Nigerian athletes will not compete under the country's name and code, and if they win any medals, Nigeria's anthem will not be played, nor will the flag be hoisted. Additionally, Nigeria will be ineligible to host any major sporting events until reinstatement conditions are fulfilled.