Six athletes have been disqualified from participating in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival over doping violations, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bukola Olopade, announced on Monday in Abeokuta.
The announcement came after a strategic meeting between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games.
Chief Bukola Olopade stated that the action aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, adding that the Commission remains committed to clean and fair competition.
“No athlete flagged for doping will be allowed to compete or win medals at the festival,” “This is part of our commitment to upholding integrity in sports.” he said.
Olopade also praised President Bola Tinubu for his role in pushing the National Anti-Doping Law through the legislative process, describing it as a landmark move with immediate implications for Nigeria’s sporting future.
“The ripple effects of this legislation must be felt now, starting with this festival,” he added.
The athletes disqualified include:
Marcus Okon (Akwa Ibom State, Para Athletics)
Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Bayelsa State, Gymnastics)
Kareem Shukurat (Lagos State, Kickboxing)
Omole Dolapo Joshua (Bayelsa State, Kickboxing)
Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Bayelsa State, Kickboxing)
Animashaun Sofia (Lagos State, Para Powerlifting)
The NSC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on doping and assured continued monitoring throughout the competition.
RN
