The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified several registered athletes with anti-doping violations from participating for medals at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.
This decision follows a strategic joint meeting between the Main Organizing Committee and the Local Organizing Committee held on Monday.
According to the NSC, the disqualification aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, reinforcing the commission’s stance on clean and fair competition.
NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the importance of integrity in sports, stating, “The issue of anti-doping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions.”
He further noted the significance of Nigeria’s recent progress on anti-doping enforcement, adding, “We are happy now that the National Anti-Doping Law has finally been passed by our sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our sports, starting with the current Sports Festival.”
Athletes disqualified due to doping issues include:
1. Marcus Okon – Para Athletics (Akwa Ibom State)
2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi – Gymnastics (Bayelsa State)
3. Kareem Shukurat – Kickboxing (Lagos State)
4. Omole Dolapo Joshua – Kickboxing (Bayelsa State)
5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia – Kickboxing (Bayelsa State)
6. Animashaun Sofia – Para Powerlifting (Lagos State)
The NSC reiterated its commitment to upholding clean competition across all events and encouraged participating states to support the anti-doping directive.
