The National Sports Commission (NSC) has defended the disqualification of Delta State’s top sprinter, Favour Ashe, from the 100m final at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. Ashe, a U.S.-based athlete and one of the favourites to win the race, was removed from the lineup over a violation of the competition rules.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko explained that Ashe was disqualified for failing to comply with standard competition requirements, particularly regarding the use of athlete identification bibs. According to Dikko, Ashe ran his semi-final race with only one bib and failed to present the required identification for the final.
“The case about Ashe’s disqualification is simple. He flouted the rules of the game,” Dikko said. “He had only one bib, and according to the rules, he was not fit to run. The standards are clear and apply to all athletes equally.”
Favour Ashe, 21, had recorded the fastest 100m time by a Nigerian this year at 10.01 seconds and had easily won his semi-final heat. His disqualification sparked debate among sports fans and officials, as he was widely tipped to win gold for Team Delta.
In his defence, Ashe claimed he had notified the organisers about his missing bib after the semi-final. “I ran with one bib in the semi-finals, but why disqualify me now?” he asked. However, the NSC maintained that the rules were not negotiable, regardless of an athlete’s status or medal prospects.
Beyond Ashe’s disqualification, Dikko also addressed concerns around the postponement of the festival, originally scheduled for December 2024. He explained that the delay was due to the recent reorganisation within the NSC, which was only set up in October.
“We needed time to work closely with the Ogun State Government and ensure a proper hosting arrangement. This edition in Abeokuta will serve as a benchmark for future festivals,” he said.
According to Dikko, the enthusiasm from state governments to host future editions is growing. He noted that more than 10 states have submitted bids to host the 2028 festival, a major shift from past editions when the commission had to appeal to states to take on the responsibility.
“We are pleased that states are now eager to host the National Sports Festival. It shows confidence in our reforms and growing interest in grassroots sports development,” he added.
He also announced that the NSC has agreed on a fixed calendar for the festival, with events now set to take place between November and December. If adjustments are necessary, the latest the games can be held is January of the following year.
“This will help the media, states, and potential sponsors plan ahead. Even the next host has expressed interest in holding the festival as early as September,” Dikko said.
The NSC said it remains committed to ensuring fairness, discipline, and growth in Nigerian sports, adding that consistency in rules and structure will be key to the success of future festivals.
