Not ready to accommodate athletes with antidoping issues at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has wielded its big stick by stopping six athletes from competing for medals at the Games.

Team Bayelsa has the highest number, with three athletes banned from the Gateway Games. They are Ayabeke David Opeyemi (gymnastics), Omole Dolapo Joshua (kickboxing), and Ogunsemilore Cynthia (kickboxing).

NSC’s big hammer also fell on two athletes from Team Lagos. They are Kareem Shukurat (kickboxing) and Animashaun Sofia (Para powerlifting).

Team Akwa Ibom has one athlete on the banned list. He is Marcus Okon (Para athletics).

According to a statement by NSC’s Director of Press, Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, in the early hours of Tuesday, the NSC said it took the decision after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games on Monday.

“This is in line with global best practices and the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) code,” the statement said.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, has charged all the participating states to take note of antidoping issues and reiterates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very clean.

He said: “The issue of antidoping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drug problems at both domestic and international competitions.

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