Doping Scandal Rocks Gateway Games: Six Athletes Banned from National Sports Festival
By Samuel Akpan | Live in Abeokuta
NSC Takes Strong Stance Against Doping
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has barred six athletes from medal contention at the ongoing National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, due to anti-doping violations. This decisive action follows a joint meeting of the Main and Local Organising Committees on Monday, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to clean sports.
Commitment to Clean Competition
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade emphasized that the decision aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. “The issue of anti-doping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drugs problems at both domestic and international competitions,” Olopade stated.
Presidential Support for Anti-Doping Efforts
The NSC chief welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the National Anti-Doping Bill, saying: “We are happy now that the National anti-doping law has finally been passed by our sports-loving President. The ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our sports starting with the current sports festival.”
List of Banned Athletes
Persecoundnews reports the following athletes have been barred from medal competition due to doping violations:
- 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)
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