Six athletes disqualified from participating in Nigeria's National Sports Festival over anti-doping issues

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified six athletes from participating in the ongoing National Sports Festival over anti-doping violations. The athletes, whose identities were not disclosed, have been barred from competing for medals at the event, which is taking place in Ogun State and tagged the Gateway Games 2024. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Kehinde Ajayimade, Director of Press at the NSC, and made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. According to the commission, the disqualification aligns with global best practices and adheres strictly to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. The ruling followed a strategic meeting held on Monday between the festivals Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee. The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to clean sport, warning that athletes flagged for anti-doping violations would not be permitted to participate in the festivals medal events. NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in sports, urging all participating states to ensure that their athletes compete clean. The issue of antidoping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions, Olopade stated. He welcomed the recent signing of the national anti-doping law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called for its immediate enforcement starting with the current festival. The Gateway Games 2024 officially opened on Sunday, with President Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced financial rewards for medal-winning athletes representing the state, offering 2.5 million for each gold medal, 1.5 million for silver, and 1 million for bronze. The incentives are part of efforts to motivate athletes and underscore the states commitment to sports excellence.The post Six athletes disqualified from participating in Nigeria's National Sports Festival over anti-doping issues appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.