The National Sports Commission, (NSC), has cautioned that registered athletes with anti-doping issues cannot compete for scoring medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.

The NSC made it clear after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Games on Monday.

The Commission announced that this is in line with global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete compete very clean.

“The issue of anti-doping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drugs problems at both domestic and international competitions.

“We are happy now that the National anti-doping law has finally been passed by our sports loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple effect of such a landmark fear must swiftly be felt in our sports starting with the current National Sports Festival”, he stated.

Six athletes have been listed to have doping issues and cannot compete for medals at the Games.

They are Marcus Okon, representing Akwa Ibom state in Para Athletics, Ayabeke David Opeyemi, representing Bayelsa state in Gymnastics, Kareem Shukurat, representing Lagos state in kick-boxing and Omole Dolapo Joshua representing, Bayelsa state in kick-boxing.

Others are Ogunsemilore Cynthia, representing Bayelsa state in kick-boxing and Animashaun Sofia representing, Lagos state in Para powerlifting.