The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified six registered athletes from participating in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, over anti-doping violations.
The decision was announced on Monday following a joint strategic meeting between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games. The NSC emphasized that the move aligns with global best practices and complies with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged all participating states to ensure their athletes meet anti-doping standards, reiterating the commission’s commitment to maintaining a clean and fair competition.
“The issue of anti-doping is one of the Commission’s key mandates. We are determined to keep Nigerian sports clean both at home and on the international stage,” Olopade stated.
He also commended the recent signing of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a landmark achievement with immediate implications for major sporting events such as the ongoing festival.
The following athletes have been disqualified from competing for medals due to anti-doping issues:
1. Marcus Okon – Akwa Ibom State (Para Athletics)
2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi – Bayelsa State (Gymnastics)
3. Kareem Shukurat – Lagos State (Kickboxing)
4. Omole Dolapo Joshua – Bayelsa State (Kickboxing)
5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia – Bayelsa State (Kickboxing)
6. Animashaun Sofia – Lagos State (Para Powerlifting)
The NSC has called on state delegations and sports federations to take the development seriously and ensure full compliance with anti-doping regulations going forward.