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

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

NSC also sanctioned two athletes from Team Lagos- Kareem Shukurat (kickboxing) and Animashaun Sofia (Para powerlifting).

The only athlete affected in Team Akwa Ibom is Marcus Okon (a para athletics).

According to a statement by NSC’s Director of Press, Dr (Mrs) kehinde Ajayi, the body 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 anti-doping Agency (WADA) code,” the statement said.