ABEOKUTA — The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disqualified a number of registered athletes with unresolved anti-doping issues from participating in the 22nd National Sports Festival, currently underway in Ogun State.
The disqualification followed mandatory pre-competition testing and screening conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) in accordance with global standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
In a statement issued on Monday, the NSC emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on doping and reiterated its commitment to promoting fair play, integrity, and the health of all athletes participating in the festival.
“We are committed to ensuring a clean and credible sporting event. Any athlete found to have violated anti-doping regulations will not be allowed to compete,” said Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, NSC’s Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department.
While the exact number and identities of the disqualified athletes were not disclosed, sources within the commission confirmed that the affected individuals had tested positive for banned substances during pre-festival screenings.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed the Gateway Games 2024, has drawn thousands of athletes from across Nigeria competing in various disciplines.
Sports authorities commended the NSC for upholding global standards and urged state contingents to educate their athletes on the risks and consequences of doping.
