NSF: Organisers release list of athletes banned from participating

With the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta set to officially begin, organisers have taken a decisive step by releasing a list of athletes banned from participating due to unresolved doping violations.

In an effort to uphold the integrity of the festival, officials have instructed all state contingents to decamp athletes currently serving doping-related suspensions. States that fail to comply risk facing technical disqualification during the event.

Reports indicate that some of the banned athletes had already joined their respective teams in closed camps, potentially jeopardizing their states’ participation if not removed before the games commence.

Although the full list of names has not been made public, it has been circulated internally among team officials for immediate enforcement. A significant number of the affected athletes reportedly belong to a single state delegation, raising questions about internal vetting processes.

An official from the organising committee reaffirmed the zero-tolerance stance on doping, stating, “We are determined to keep this festival clean and drug-free. Any athlete serving a doping ban has no business around the competition venue.”

Disciplines impacted by the ban include kickboxing and para powerlifting. In response, team administrators have been quick to act, instructing coaches and secretaries to remove the affected athletes without delay.

Stakeholders across the country have praised the organisers for their firm action, describing it as a positive step toward restoring credibility and fairness in Nigerian sports.

With this move, the Abeokuta 2025 edition of the National Sports Festival is poised to set a new standard for clean, transparent, and principled competition.