Due to doping violations, six athletes from Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa have been disqualified by the National Sports Commission (NSC) from participating in the 22nd National Sports Festival, popularly known as the Gateway Games 2024.
In a statement issued by the NSC Director of Press, Kehinde Ajayi, the Commission emphasized that athletes with unresolved anti-doping issues are not permitted to compete for medals at the festival.
This announcement was made during a strategic joint meeting held on Monday, May 19, involving the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games.
According to the NSC, this action aligns with global best practices and adheres to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, urged all participating states to take note of the development and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fair and clean competition.
“The issue of anti-doping is a key mandate of the Commission. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria remains free of drug-related issues in both domestic and international sporting events,” Olopade said.
He further expressed satisfaction with the recent passage of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it a landmark achievement. “We believe the impact of this legislation must be immediately reflected in our sports, beginning with the ongoing National Sports Festival,” he added.
Athletes disqualified due to doping violations include: Marcus Okon (Akwa Ibom) – Para athletics; Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Bayelsa) – Gymnastics; Kareem Shukurat (Lagos) – Kickboxing; Omole Dolapo Joshua (Bayelsa) – Kickboxing; Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Bayelsa) – Kickboxing; and Sofia Animashaun (Lagos) – Powerlifting