Over 9,000 Athletes Storm Ogun for National Sports Festival as NSC Boss Olopade Talks Tough on Doping
By Azuka Chiemeka
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has declared the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State as one of the most impressive in recent history, with a record-breaking 9,040 athletes and officials accredited for the biennial event.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, Olopade expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and the overall organization of the festival, describing it as a significant step forward for sports development in Nigeria.
“This is a historic outing,” Olopade said. “In the last 20 years, we haven’t seen this level of athlete welfare and professionalism. For the first time in recent memory, athletes are arriving at their hostels and being properly fed and accommodated without chaos.”
According to him, all athletes and officials are being housed at Babcock University, one of the festival’s major accommodation hubs. He praised the host facilities, noting that the high level of preparation has significantly contributed to the smooth running of the games.
The NSC boss also highlighted the quality of competition witnessed so far, pointing to standout performances in various sporting events.
“I just returned from Sagamu and Babcock, and I must say the standard of play has been phenomenal. Kaduna versus Niger in basketball was world-class, and the handball clash between Niger and Kano was equally impressive,” he stated.
Olopade revealed that three London-based boxers representing Kaduna State were among the standout athletes, describing their involvement as a clear sign of the festival’s growing prestige and appeal beyond Nigerian borders.
While applauding the Ogun State Government for its outstanding efforts in hosting the festival, Olopade noted that the opening ceremony had received widespread praise from within and outside Nigeria, describing it as “a spectacle worthy of international recognition.”
However, amidst the celebrations, Olopade took time to address the issue of drug abuse in sports. He confirmed that a number of athletes had been expelled from the festival due to doping violations, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to clean sports.
“We have zero tolerance for drug use in sports,” he warned. “Athletes found to have violated anti-doping rules have already been shown the way out. We are determined to maintain the integrity of this championship.”
He stressed that the Commission is working closely with relevant anti-doping agencies to ensure that all participants are screened and monitored according to international standards.
Olopade also extended his appreciation to the journalists covering the festival, commending them for their dedication and accurate reporting, which he said is vital to the success and credibility of the event.
“This festival is a collective effort,” he said. “From the athletes to the organizers, officials, and the media, everyone has played a part in making this a success story.”
As the festival continues, the NSC boss called on Nigerians to visit the various sporting centres and support their states, urging all participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition.
