“It Was a Set-Up”: Favour Ashe Cries Foul After NSF 100m Disqualification
Byline: IDNN Athletics Desk ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — May 18, 2025
United States-based Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ashe, has alleged sabotage and administrative foul play following his dramatic disqualification from the men’s 100 metres final at the Gateway Games — the 22nd National Sports Festival, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Saturday.
Ashe, a top contender and the fastest Nigerian this year over the 100m (10.01s), was removed from the start list after showing up for the final with only one competition bib — a technical violation under national rules requiring two bibs, one each on the front and back of the athlete’s vest.
The decision shocked spectators, particularly after Ashe had eased through the semifinals earlier in the day. In an emotional post-race statement, Ashe insisted the disqualification was part of a deliberate ploy to knock him out of medal contention.
“One of my bibs disappeared mysteriously before the semis,” Ashe told IDNN. “I told the officials and they allowed me to run. We tried everything — including using a marker to write the number. Even the AFN Technical Director cleared me. So why disqualify me last minute?”
Bib, Blame, and the Bench
Ashe, representing Team Delta, revealed that his team made efforts to resolve the situation before the final. An alternative bib solution was reportedly accepted by the technical crew after consultation, which made the eventual disqualification even more difficult to understand.
Sources within the event’s technical team presented a different narrative. A senior official told IDNN that organizers delayed the start of the final to allow Ashe time to sort the issue. The turning point, however, came when the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Hon. Bukola Olopade, intervened.
“The DG asked Ashe directly: ‘Whose fault?’ Ashe said it was his. Based on that, the DG instructed: ‘Then disqualify him,’” the official said.
Rules, Procedure, or Politics?
Another procedural failure may have sealed Ashe’s fate — his failure to pass through the call room, which serves as the final check for gear compliance. Officials hinted that this was a major red flag, raising concerns about protocol breaches.
“If he had gone through the call room, this would’ve been spotted early,” one source noted. “Instead, we were scrambling just minutes before the race.”
Mixed Emotions on the Track
Ashe’s absence cleared the path for Team Edo’s Ezeaku Chidera, who claimed gold in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.27 seconds.
In the women’s final, Team Delta’s Kate Odumoso secured victory in 11.43s, but collapsed moments after crossing the line. She was treated by on-site medics and later stabilized.
A Bruised Star, A Bruised Narrative
“It was planned. I was targeted,” Ashe said. “This was never about the rules. Somebody didn’t want me to win. But it’s not over. God will fight for me.”
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is yet to issue an official statement as the controversy continues to dominate conversations across the NSF grounds.
Ashe’s disqualification now raises larger questions about athlete welfare, competition integrity, and the power dynamics at the heart of Nigerian sports administration.
