Gateway Games: NSC disqualifies Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa athletes for doping
The National Sports Commission says it has disqualified six athletes from participating in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged ‘Gateway Games’.
NSC director-general Bukola Olopade disclosed on Tuesday in Abeokuta that the disqualification was related to anti-doping issues.
He maintained that registered athletes with anti-doping issues cannot compete for scoring medals at the ongoing Gateway Games.
The decision came after a strategic joint meeting of the main organising committee and the local organising committee of the games.
The commission announced that this was in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency code.
Mr Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes clean.
“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.
“We are happy now that the national anti-doping law has finally been passed by our sports-loving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our sports, starting with the current National Sports Festival,” he stated.
The athletes affected are Marcus Okon, representing Akwa Ibom in para athletics; Ayabeke Opeyemi, representing Bayelsa in gymnastics; Shukurat Kareem, representing Lagos in kickboxing; and Omole Dolapo Joshua, representing Bayelsa in kickboxing.
Others are Ogunsemilore Cynthia, representing Bayelsa in kickboxing, and Animashaun Sofia, representing Lagos in para powerlifting.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Entertainment
Family confirms gospel artiste Toluwanisings’ demise
The family said funeral arrangements for the gospel artiste would be communicated later.
Heading 2
Golden Eaglets lose 2-1 to Niger Republic in WAFU U-17 AFCON qualifier
The result means Niger Republic top the group with four points after two matches.
States
Human Trafficking: Police rescue Congolese nationals in Oyo
Mr Olayinka said the suspect was not found at the hotel during the operation.
Heading 5
NAFDAC raids Aba market, seizes fake packaging materials worth N200 million
NAFDAC stated that an invitation had been extended to the market union chairman.
States
Osun police nab man for allegedly defiling 15-year-old girl
Mr Ojelabi explained that the suspect used his closeness to the family to perpetrate the act.
States
Troops nab five ISWAP collaborators, rescue kidnap victim
The report that the suspects and recovered items were in military custody for further investigation.
