Ado Salisu
Abeokuta, May 20, 2025 — The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially disqualified several registered athletes from participating for medals at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2025,” due to anti-doping violations.
The announcement followed a strategic joint meeting held Monday between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the festival, currently taking place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The NSC emphasized that the decision aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to clean and fair sports competition.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged all participating states to take the directive seriously.
“Anti-doping is a critical mandate of the Commission. We are committed to ensuring Nigerian athletes remain drug-free at both national and international events,” he said.
Olopade also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing into law Nigeria’s National Anti-Doping Act, a landmark move that reinforces the country’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs in sports.
“The ripple effects of this law must be immediately evident, beginning with the ongoing Sports Festival,” he added.
The following athletes have been identified as having unresolved doping issues and are therefore ineligible to compete for medals at the Games:
• Marcus Okon – Akwa Ibom State (Para Athletics)
• Ayabeke David Opeyemi – Bayelsa State (Gymnastics)
• Kareem Shukurat – Lagos State (Kickboxing)
• Omole Dolapo Joshua – Bayelsa State (Kickboxing)
• Ogunsemilore Cynthia – Bayelsa State (Kickboxing)
• Animashaun Sofia – Lagos State (Para Powerlifting)
This development highlights the NSC’s renewed focus on integrity, fair play, and athlete health in Nigerian sports.