As the 2024 National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, continues to captivate sports lovers across the country, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has said that athletes with doping issues will not be allowed to compete for medals at the games.
The directive was issued following a meeting between the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games on Monday, which the commission described as a move to uphold global best practices and ensure clean and fair competition.
Upholding the spirit of fair play
Speaking at the meeting, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event by enforcing anti-doping rules in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
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“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,” Mr Olopade said.
He emphasised that the NSC is fully committed to clean sport and called on all participating states to strictly adhere to the rules.
“We are happy now that the National Anti-Doping Law has finally been passed by our sports-loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our sports, starting with the current Sports Festival,” he added.
Athletes barred from medal events
Following the implementation of the anti-doping directive, the NSC has released a list of six athletes barred from competing for medals at the ongoing festival due to unresolved doping issues.
These athletes 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)
Details of the cases of each of the athletes were not provided. However, the athletes may remain registered at the competition but are ineligible to compete for scoring medals in their respective sports. It is not clear if they would be allowed to participate in their competitions without winning medals or if it is a total ban from participating in the competitons.
READ ALSO: NSF Gateway Games 2024: Teenagers shine with gold, bronze medals
A new era of accountability
The Gateway Games 2024 is the first National Sports Festival to be held after the passage of the National Anti-Doping Law, a legislative milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to align with international standards.
With over 16,000 athletes and officials participating in this edition, the NSC’s zero-tolerance stance is being hailed as a critical step towards restoring public trust in Nigerian sports, ensuring fair play, and preparing the nation for future continental and global competitions.
As the festival continues across venues in Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State, the anti-doping clampdown sends a clear message: in Nigerian sports, integrity is non-negotiable.
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