Six Nigerian athletes, including prominent boxers Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Dolapo Omole, have been prohibited from competing at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, known as the Gateway Games. The ban comes as these athletes are currently serving doping suspensions, a stern move by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to enforce anti-doping regulations.

The NSC's decision, announced after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games on Monday, aligns with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, emphasized the commission's unwavering commitment to ensuring clean competition.

“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,” Olopade stated. He highlighted the recent passage of the National Anti-Doping Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring that its ripple effect must be felt immediately, starting with the current Sports Festival.

Cynthia Ogunsemilore, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and African Games champion, was provisionally suspended after testing positive for furosemide, a diuretic on WADA’s prohibited list. The positive test occurred during an out-of-competition doping control ahead of her scheduled participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Dolapo Omole, also a boxer, is among the banned athletes. Both Ogunsemilore and Omole, despite their boxing bans, were registered to represent Bayelsa State in kickboxing at the National Sports Festival.

The NSC has urged all participating states to take note of these regulations, reiterating its dedication to upholding integrity and fairness in Nigerian sports. This decisive action sends a clear message about Nigeria's commitment to a drug-free sporting environment, aligning with international standards and safeguarding the future of its athletes.