NSC Disqualifies Registered Athletes with Antidoping Issues from Participating in 22nd National Sports Festival

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that registered athletes with antidoping issues are ineligible to compete for medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024. This decision was made during a joint meeting of the Main Organizing Committee and the Local Organizing Committee.

The NSC emphasized that this move aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged participating states to take note of this directive, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring clean competition.

“The issue of antidoping is a crucial mandate of the Commission to ensure Nigeria is free from drug problems in both domestic and international competitions,” Olopade stated. “We are pleased that the National Anti-Doping Law has been passed by our sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the impact of this landmark feat must be felt in our sports, starting with the current Sports Festival.”

The following athletes have been listed as having doping issues and are disqualified from competing for medals:

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)

#CleanSports #AntiDoping #NationalSportsFestival #GatewayGames2024 #SportsIntegrity #WADA