Five Athletes Disqualified in Niger Delta Games Eligibility Breach

In the Niger Delta Games, five athletes faced disqualification due to breaches of eligibility rules concerning state origin. The disqualified athletes included those from Edo State, Lagos State, Bayelsa State, and Ondo State.

Investigations revealed discrepancies in the athletes' documentation, with Otunla Kolad reporting that the findings led to the stripping of medals from athletes such as John Vera Ayimba and Maria from Bayelsa State. Adolphu Okafor from Ondo State was also removed from competition after it was discovered that he falsely declared his state of origin as Anambra.

Despite the disqualifications, athletes like Bright Joel Udoh from Edo State and Wisdom Chibuez Nweke from Abia State were cleared after reviews found insufficient grounds for disqualification. Ngozi Okerek from Delta State was deemed eligible despite discrepancies flagged by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

The disciplinary decisions underscore the commitment to uphold eligibility rules and maintain competitive integrity across participating states.