The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken a strict position on doping at the Gateway Games 2024, banning six athletes from participation due to active doping suspensions.
Among those affected are Nigerian boxing stars Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Dolapo Omole, who were registered to represent Bayelsa State in kick-boxing.
The decision was confirmed following a joint meeting of the festival’s Main and Local Organising Committees, where the NSC stressed that athletes with anti-doping infractions would not be allowed to compete or earn medals at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade highlighted the commission’s anti-doping mandate, saying, “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.” He also applauded the recent passage of the National anti-doping law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting, “The ripple effect of such a landmark feat must swiftly be felt in our sports, starting with the current National Sports Festival.”
Ogunsemilore was provisionally suspended after testing positive for furosemide, a diuretic prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), during an out-of-competition test before the Paris Olympics. The other banned athletes include Marcus Okon (Akwa Ibom, para-athletics), Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Bayelsa, gymnastics), Kareem Shukurat (Lagos, kick-boxing), and Animashaun Sofia (Lagos, para powerlifting).
This enforcement aligns with international anti-doping standards and demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to clean sports.
