Dec. 8, 2025
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has demanded full accountability from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) over age discrepancy concerns raised by the Athletics Integrity Unit.
Kehinde Ajayi, the commission’s Director of Press, confirmed the request in a statement issued on Sunday.
The AIU wrote to Nigeria seeking clarification on alleged age issues involving young athletes who competed at the CAA U-18 and U-20 Championship in Abeokuta.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, expressed displeasure with the AFN and warned that sanctions await anyone found culpable after the investigation.
“At a time we are giving no place to age cheats in our sports, this will not be swept under the carpet,” he said.
Dikko added that the commission was determined to rebuild trust in age-grade competitions across Nigeria.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the AFN must demonstrate competence and diligence to prevent further embarrassment on the international stage.
The NSC had convened a meeting with AFN officials, including Technical Director Gabriel Okon and national coaches.
Olopade insisted that officials must begin to face consequences for incompetence, particularly as the commission intensifies its action on age cheating.
He said, “We are aware of the query from the AIU and this does not paint the AFN in good light at all.”
Olopade stressed that the NSC would act firmly against any official found to have contributed to the current situation.
He said the commission would not compromise its resolution to clamp down on age manipulation, regardless of who is involved.
Olopade added that youth events must remain developmental, urging all stakeholders to end the win-at-all-costs mentality in Nigerian sport.
Olopade concluded that two athletes had been dropped from Team Nigeria’s camp for the Africa Youth Games in Angola due to age discrepancies. (NAN)
