Sports

Gateway Games: Six Athletes Banned

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2025

Nigerian boxers, Cynthia Ogunsemilore and Dolapo Omole as well as four other athletes have been banned from competing at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, as they are currently serving doping bans, PUNCH Online reports.

The National Sports Commission issued a caution that registered athletes with anti-doping issues cannot compete for scoring medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games 2024.

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

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

NSC DG, Bukola Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete competes very cleanly.

“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.

“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 feat must swiftly be felt in our sports, starting with the current National Sports Festival”, he said.

Ogunsemilore was provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance ahead of her opening fight at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and African Games champion tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, in an out-of-competition doping control.

Other banned athletes 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 Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in Para powerlifting.

Ogunsemilore and Omole, who got their dooping bans in boxing were registered to represent Bayelsa state in kick-boxing.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.