The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is under mounting pressure as it races to respond to a January 16, 2026 deadline set by the World Athletics Integrity Unit over allegations of age falsification involving junior athletes.
The controversy stems from a query issued on December 2, 2025, when the AIU raised concerns that 16 of the 17 athletes entered by Nigeria for the 2025 African U18 and U20 Championships in Abeokuta reportedly had multiple and conflicting dates of birth. The development also drew the attention of the National Sports Commission, which immediately vowed to sanction any official found culpable.
Sources familiar with the situation said senior AFN officials have been holding frantic consultations in an attempt to find a credible explanation before the deadline elapses. According to one source, the federation has struggled to present convincing evidence to justify the discrepancies flagged by the global athletics watchdog.
“As things stand, the board has not been able to come up with a concrete explanation that will satisfy the AIU,” the source said. “Time is running out, and there is serious anxiety within the federation.”
The AIU has warned that failure to provide satisfactory documentation could lead to a full-scale investigation into possible age manipulation, a breach considered a serious violation of World Athletics integrity and technical regulations.
Stakeholders have noted that the AFN is expected to submit verifiable documents, including birth certificates, international passports, school records or medical reports, to confirm the true ages of the athletes involved. Without such evidence, the federation risks facing severe sanctions.
The National Sports Commission has taken a firm stance on the matter. Its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the issue would not be swept aside, stressing that the commission is committed to eradicating age cheating from Nigerian sports.
“At a time when we are determined to eliminate age fraud, this matter will be thoroughly addressed,” Dikko had said. “Anyone found responsible will be held to account.”
Similarly, the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, urged the AFN to demonstrate competence and transparency in handling the case, warning that continued lapses could further damage Nigeria’s image in international sports.
Former AFN President, Olamide George, speaking from the United States, described age falsification as a long-standing problem that has continued to undermine the federation’s credibility.
He noted that the AIU’s tougher enforcement measures could mark a turning point in addressing the issue. According to him, penalties could include suspensions for affected athletes, sanctions against implicated officials and possible punishment for the federation itself.
The AFN had previously set up an internal committee to probe the matter, but with the AIU deadline approaching, attention has now shifted to whether the federation can present evidence strong enough to avert further international action.
