Six athletes have been disqualified from the ongoing Gateway Games 2024—the 22nd National Sports Festival—after testing positive for banned substances, according to the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday following a meeting of both the Main and Local Organising Committees of the Games, which took place on Monday. The statement, signed by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized that the disqualification was in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code and international best practices.
The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged all participating states to remain vigilant and warned that the Commission would not tolerate any breach of anti-doping rules. He stressed that the NSC is committed to ensuring fair competition in both national and international events.
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“Anti-doping is one of our top priorities. We are determined to keep Nigeria’s sports clean and free from drug-related issues,” the statement read.
The disqualified athletes are:
- 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)
The NSC also expressed appreciation for the recent signing of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it a major milestone for Nigerian sports. According to the Commission, the law’s impact is already being felt, starting with its enforcement during the Gateway Games 2024.
The NSC hopes this move will serve as a strong warning to athletes and officials across the country, reinforcing that the era of drug use in Nigerian sports is over.
Gateway Games 2024 continues across multiple venues in Ogun State, showcasing top talent from across the country.
