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 this move aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. “The issue of anti-doping is a crucial mandate of the Commission to ensure Nigeria remains free from drug problems in both domestic and international competitions,” Olopade stated.
New Anti-Doping Law Praised
Olopade welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent signing of the National Anti-Doping Bill, noting: “We’re delighted our sports-loving President has finally passed this landmark legislation. The current sports festival must immediately reflect this important development.”
Banned Athletes List
Persecondnews reports the following athletes have been excluded 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)
For more details, read the original report on Persecondnews.