Six athletes, including Nigerian boxers Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Dolapo Omole, have been barred from taking part in the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, known as the Gateway Games.
The ban was enforced by the National Sports Commission after it was confirmed that the athletes are currently serving doping suspensions.
The decision was announced following a joint meeting between the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games.
The Commission stated that any athlete found to have doping violations is not allowed to compete for medals at the festival.
This move follows the recent passing of Nigeria’s anti-doping law, which aligns with global regulations from the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The Commission reminded participating states that only clean athletes will be allowed to compete, stressing the importance of fair play in sports.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore, who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and also claimed gold at the African Games, was suspended after testing positive for furosemide, a banned substance often used as a masking agent.
The test occurred outside of competition, shortly before her scheduled bout at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Besides Ogunsemilore and Omole, four other athletes were also affected by the ban.
Marcus Okon from Akwa Ibom was disqualified in para-athletics, Ayabeke David Opeyemi from Bayelsa in gymnastics, Kareem Shukurat from Lagos in kick-boxing, and Animashaun Sofia, also from Lagos, in para powerlifting.
Interestingly, both Ogunsemilore and Omole had been registered to represent Bayelsa State in kick-boxing for the festival, despite their existing doping sanctions.
The Commission said this action is part of its effort to keep Nigeria’s sporting events free from drug-related violations and to ensure a level playing field for all participants.
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