NSC Bans Six Athletes From National Sports Festival In Ogun

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken a firm stance against doping in sports by disqualifying six registered athletes who have been involved in anti-doping violations.

As a result, these athletes will not be eligible to compete for medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival, appropriately dubbed the Gateway Games 2024.

The athletes disqualified are Marcus Okon, who was representing Akwa Ibom State in Para Athletics; Ayabeke Opeyemi, competing in Gymnastics for Bayelsa State; and Kareem Shukurat, who was set to participate in kickboxing for Lagos State.

Additionally, Ogunsemilore Cynthia and Omole Joshua, both from Bayelsa State and also involved in kickboxing, along with Animashaun Sofia from Lagos State in Para Powerlifting, have faced similar disqualifications.

This decisive action was the outcome of a strategic joint meeting held on Monday between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games.

The NSC emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of sports and aligning with global standards, as highlighted by a statement from the Commission’s director of press, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi.

She confirmed that these measures comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, which aims to protect the equity of competition and the health of athletes.

In a further statement, the NSC’s Director General, Bukola Olopade, urged all participating states to take these developments seriously.

He reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fostering a clean sports environment and emphasised that every athlete must compete on a level playing field, free from the taint of performance-enhancing substances.

Olopade remarked, “Addressing doping is one of the key mandates of the Commission. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria is wholly free from doping issues, both in domestic circuits and on the international stage.”

He also expressed optimism about the recent passage of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he hopes will have a positive ripple effect throughout Nigerian sports, starting with the ongoing Sports Festival.