Doping: Nigerian boxer Ogunsemilore provisionally banned

The International Testing Agency announced on Saturday that it has provisionally suspended Nigerian lightweight boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore after she tested positive for a banned substance.

The ban came before her opening fight at the Olympic Games in Paris.

During an out-of-competition doping test on Thursday, Ogunsemilore tested positive for the diuretic furosemide, which is on the WADA banned list.

“The athlete has been informed of the case and provisionally suspended in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Anti-Doping Rules pending resolution of the matter,” the ITA said.

This means that the athlete will not be allowed to compete, train, coach or participate in any other activities during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“The athlete has the right to appeal against the imposition of a provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – Anti-Doping Division.

“The athlete also has the right to request analysis of the B sample.”

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and African Games winner was due to face Taiwan’s Wu Shih Yi in the round of 16 on Tuesday. (Reuters/NAN)