The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is likely to be lenient with shot putter, Vivian Chukwuemeka whose B sample returned a positive result and is faced with a life ban.

Chairman of the AFN medical committee, Ken Anugueje disclosed that a hearing will be conducted for the athlete and depending on the circumstances, the federation might just let Chukwuemeka, who set a new record at the 2012 African championships take a 'walk'.

"We are yet to make any pronouncement. The AFN will give her a hearing and depending on our findings, she may get a life ban or get a reprieve," said Dr. Anugueje.

The athlete had questioned the authenticity of the dope test that cast a shadow on her comeback bid after a two year lay off. She argued that she couldn't have tested positive in Calabar during the All Nigeria/Cross River championships and then come clean at the African championships in Porto Novo.

Dismissing the athlete's claims, Dr. Anugueje said, "Nobody at the AFN is interested in the downfall of any athlete."

He argued that there were dope tests conducted in Porto Novo, adding that probably because of scarce financial resources, the hosts did not send all the samples to the lab.

"I never said anywhere that there wasn't tests conducted in Porto Novo as claimed by the athlete. There were tests and I am aware that two South African athletes tested positive. It could be that it was not all the samples that were sent to the lab in South Africa."