AFN issues bans after age fraud probe in youth athletics
Chief Tonobok Okowa and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) have imposed strict sanctions following an investigation into age falsification at the 2025 African U-18 and U-20 Championships. The panel, chaired by Abubakar Gurmi, found multiple athletes and coaches guilty of manipulating ages to compete in youth events. The AFN confirmed that bans, suspensions, and other penalties have now been enforced. The federation also announced reforms to prevent future age cheating and restore credibility in Nigerian athletics.
Match highlights
- The AFN panel, constituted on December 9, 2025, investigated age discrepancies flagged by the Athletics Integrity Unit on December 2, 2025.
- Athletes found guilty face permanent ineligibility for age-grade events, two-year suspensions, and loss of medals, with one aggravated case receiving a three-year ban.
- Six coaches, including Wale Olaniyi, Stanley Oha, Emily Osakwe, Edirin Owivri, Saheed Akinpelu, and Abayomi Asipa, were publicly reprimanded and face suspensions.
- Ogun State and Delta State were fined N2,500,000 each and risk further sanctions for repeated violations.
- The AFN unveiled a partnership with Roster Athletics and introduced a compulsory athlete licensing system to strengthen age verification and data management.
