Nigerian Boxer Suspended from Paris Olympics for Doping Violation

In a shocking turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Nigerian boxer Cynthia Temitayo Ogunsemilore has been provisionally suspended for violating anti-doping rules. The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced the suspension on Saturday, just before Ogunsemilore’s opening fight in the women’s tournament.

Ogunsemilore, a lightweight boxer and African Games champion, tested positive for furosemide, a banned substance classified as a diuretic and masking agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The sample was collected during an out-of-competition doping control in Paris on July 25, 2024.

According to the ITA, Ogunsemilore has been informed of the case and is provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter. This means she is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The 22-year-old boxer has the right to challenge the imposition of the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport – Anti-Doping Division. She also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample.

Ogunsemilore was due to make her Olympic tournament debut on Monday in the -60 kg category. Her suspension is a significant setback for Team Nigeria, which is now left with just one boxer, Olaitan Olaore, in the competition.

This is the third case of doping since the start of the Olympic Games, after Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen and Dominican volleyball player Lisvel Eve Mejia. The news has sparked disappointment and frustration among Nigerian sports fans, who had high hopes for Ogunsemilore’s performance in Paris.

The incident has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in the sport and the need for stricter enforcement of rules and regulations. The Nigerian Olympic Committee and the Nigerian Boxing Federation have yet to comment on the matter.

As the Paris Olympics continue, the focus remains on the athletes who are competing clean and striving to achieve their dreams on the world’s biggest stage.