AFN goes tough on age cheats

AFN goes tough on age cheats

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has fired a warning shot across the bow of Nigerian athletics, the era of cutting corners on age is over.

In a firm, no-nonsense declaration, the federation reaffirmed its allegiance to global integrity standards, making it clear that falsifying age is no minor paperwork issue, it is a direct assault on fair competition, athlete welfare, and the credibility of the sport itself.

Age eligibility, AFN stressed, is not a technicality. It is the backbone of fair play, designed to protect young athletes, ensure a level playing field, and preserve the integrity of development pathways. 

When age is manipulated, trust collapses and so does the future of clean sport.

Following a recent investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the AFN confirmed it has enforced what it called a “robust and proportionate” disciplinary framework against confirmed cases of age falsification. 

The message is unmistakable, accountability is no longer optional.

Sanctions were wide-ranging and severe. 

Athletes found guilty were disqualified, results were wiped from the books, and periods of ineligibility were imposed.

Coaches and support personnel who enabled or facilitated violations were also sanctioned, while states with a history of age cheating did not escape scrutiny. 

The net was cast wide and deliberately so.

Crucially, the federation emphasized that no one was punished without due process. Investigations were conducted independently, hearings were granted, and decisions were based on credible evidence, in line with World Athletics and AIU procedures. 

The presumption of innocence was respected but once guilt was established, consequences followed swiftly.

But the crackdown doesn’t stop at punishment. In a move aimed at long-term reform, the federation is rolling out stronger preventative measures, including improved age-verification systems and expanded integrity education for athletes, coaches, and administrators. 

A newly signed partnership with Roster Athletics signals a push toward technology-driven solutions and transparency.

The goal, AFN says, is simple but ambitious—to protect clean athletes and restore trust in Nigerian athletics.

At a time when Nigeria’s talent pipeline continues to attract global attention, the stakes could not be higher. Age cheating doesn’t just steal medals; it steals opportunities from honest athletes and stains the nation’s sporting reputation.

With this statement, AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa has put the sport on notice. Nigerian athletics will align with global standards or face the consequences.