Sprint Scandal Erupts in Abeokuta as Team Delta Protests Ashe’s Disqualification

A major controversy rocked the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Saturday during the 100m finals at the National Sports Festival, as Team Delta condemned the disqualification of their top sprinter, Favour Ashe, moments before the men’s final.

Ashe, widely regarded as the gold medal favourite after dominating the heats, was disqualified for allegedly wearing a “second bib” — a move that shocked fans and triggered outrage from Team Delta officials. The disqualification, critics say, did not come from technical officials but was pronounced by Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who holds no formal role in athletics officiating.

“This is interference at the highest level,” a Delta team official said. “How can someone outside the Athletics Federation have the authority to disqualify an athlete moments before a final?”

To heighten tensions, no action was taken in a similar case involving a bib mix-up during the women’s 100m T54/56 final, prompting allegations of bias and unequal rule enforcement.

Team Edo’s Chidera Ezeaku capitalized on Ashe’s absence, clocking 10.27 seconds to win the men’s 100m. In the women’s final, Delta’s Kate Odumoso sprinted to victory in 11.43 seconds but collapsed after the race, requiring urgent medical attention.

Team Delta has officially protested to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), demanding a review of the decision and urging officials to uphold the integrity of the competition.

“This goes beyond Favour Ashe,” a Delta representative said. “It’s about fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigerian athletics.”

Despite the uproar, Team Delta continues to dominate the medal table, pulling ahead of rivals Bayelsa with an impressive gold medal haul.