- NSC enforces zero-tolerance anti-doping policy.
- Athletes from Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom disqualified.
- First major test of Nigeria’s Anti-Doping Law.
In a bold move to uphold integrity and fair play, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified six athletes from competing for medals at the ongoing Gateway Games 2024, Nigeria’s flagship multi-sport event.
The decision comes as part of the NSC’s commitment to enforcing anti-doping regulations in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Upholding Global Standards at the National Sports Festival
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The disqualification was announced following a high-level strategic meeting between the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Monday.
The NSC, through a statement signed by its Director of Press, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized that no athlete with pending anti-doping issues would be allowed to vie for medals.
“This is a clear message that the era of compromise in Nigerian sports is over,” Ajayi noted. “We are aligning fully with the global anti-doping framework, and every participant must meet the clean sport criteria.”
Meet the Disqualified Athletes
The six athletes disqualified from medal contention include:
Marcus Okon (Para Athletics – Akwa Ibom State)
Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Gymnastics – Bayelsa State)
Kareem Shukurat (Kickboxing – Lagos State)
Omole Dolapo Joshua (Kickboxing – Bayelsa State)
Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Kickboxing – Bayelsa State)
Animashaun Sofia (Para Powerlifting – Lagos State)
While the NSC did not disclose the specific violations or substances involved, it confirmed that these athletes are officially barred from competing for medals.
Their participation status in non-medal events remains unclear as of press time.
Also Read: Tobi Amusan Cleared to Compete at 2024 Olympics After CAS Dismisses Anti-Doping Appeals
A Turning Point for Nigerian Sports
Speaking to journalists, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the recent passage of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, calling it a turning point in Nigeria’s sports history.
“We are pleased that our President has signed this landmark legislation. The ripple effect must be immediate—starting with the current sports festival. Clean sport is now a non-negotiable standard in Nigeria,” Olopade asserted.
He added,
“This mandate is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting the credibility of our athletes and positioning Nigeria on the global stage as a nation committed to fairness, integrity, and excellence.”
The Bigger Picture: Accountability and Reform
With over 16,000 athletes and officials converging in Ogun State for the Gateway Games 2024, this edition is more than just a sporting event—it’s a test of Nigeria’s resolve to clean up its sporting system.
The NSC’s decision has sparked discussions within the sporting community, with many praising the move as necessary for restoring public trust and preparing Nigeria for future continental and international tournaments.
As competitions continue across Abeokuta and other venues, the disqualification of the six athletes sends a powerful message: In Nigerian sports, integrity is no longer optional but the new rule of the game.
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