Para-athlete Glory Okon Marcus of Team Akwa Ibom has been cleared to compete at the ongoing 2024 Gateway Games in Ogun State after she was mistakenly listed among athletes barred for doping violations.
According to the Team Akwa Ibom media unit, the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed that Marcus’s inclusion on the disqualified list was the result of an administrative error.
A joint review with the Main Organising Committee reportedly found that she had no doping infractions, leading to her reinstatement.
Marcus, who competes in para-athletics, is now expected to participate in her scheduled events.
However, as at the time of filing this report, the NSC and the Main Organising Committee had yet to issue an official statement to confirm her clearance.
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Marcus was among six athletes initially announced as disqualified for breaching anti-doping regulations. The others include:
David Opeyemi (Bayelsa, Gymnastics)
Kareem Shukurat (Lagos, Kickboxing)
Omole Dolapo Joshua (Bayelsa, Kickboxing)
Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Bayelsa, Kickboxing)
Animashaun Sofia (Lagos, Para Powerlifting)
The disqualifications come as the NSC intensifies enforcement of Nigeria’s newly enacted National Anti-Doping Law, with the 2024 Gateway Games marking the first National Sports Festival held under the new framework.
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Authorities have emphasized their commitment to fair competition and strict compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, in a bid to align with global best practices.
