Games crack down yield positive results and commendations

...Medals stripped, five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches

By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by NDG Media Hub

The ongoing Niger Delta Games have been jolted by a sweeping integrity crackdown that has seen five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches ranging from age discrepancies to state-of-origin violations.

In one of the most dramatic decisions yet, Otunla Kolade Israel, who competed for Edo State in swimming, was stripped of all six medals he won, five gold and one silver and after investigations revealed inconsistencies with his state of origin.

According to the official protest report, his National Identification Number (NIN) indicated he is from Ikorodu, Lagos State, a finding that ultimately cost him his podium dominance.

The axe also fell in handball, where Bayelsa State athletes John Vera and Ayimba Maria were disqualified for age declaration violations.

Documentation reviewed by officials reportedly showed both players were overage for their competition category, prompting swift action from the disciplinary panel.

Chess competitor Goodness Ekunke was similarly shown the exit after irregularities surfaced in submitted eligibility documents, further reinforcing the Games’ zero-tolerance stance.

In athletics, Okafor Adolphus, who represented Ondo State, was removed from competition following findings that questioned both his age declaration and state of origin.

Investigations revealed he is from Anambra State, sealing his disqualification.

However, not every protest ended in punishment.

Bright Joel Udoh of Edo State, Table Tennis team and Wisdom Chibueze Nweke of Abia State, Tennis were cleared after reviews determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant sanctions.

In another closely watched athletics case, Ngozi Okereke Treasure of Delta State was declared eligible to compete despite an age discrepancy flagged by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Officials ruled that no legal documentation was provided to substantiate the claim against her.

The decisive actions signal a strong message from organisers, credibility will not be compromised.

With medals withdrawn and reputations dented, the Niger Delta Games have made it clear that competitive integrity outweighs podium glory.

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