Nigerian Athlete Imaobong Uko alleges unjust suspension, faults AFN handling
Nigerian sprinter Imaobong Uko has alleged that she was unfairly suspended for two years over a missed drug testing requirement, blaming a faulty reporting system and negligence by key officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
In a detailed Instagram post, Uko said the suspension stemmed from her inability to successfully submit her whereabouts information, a standard procedure for athletes subject to drug testing.
Imaobong’s post on IG – credit @Bimbochan on X
According to her, technical issues with the online reporting platform and a lack of response from federation officials led to the failure.
“For months, I struggled with an online system meant to report my whereabouts,” she wrote.
“Despite reaching out repeatedly for help, I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait. My messages often went unanswered.”
Uko added that during the hearing, she challenged federation representatives on why they failed to assist her during her technical difficulties.
“Their response was vague, and they claimed I had incorrectly submitted my information, a claim I adamantly deny,” she stated.
She named individuals she reached out to for help, including Mbachi Louis and Mrs. Onos, who she said ignored her messages.
“Ironically, on the day of my hearing, she contacted me through that same number but did not respond when I sought help,” Uko said of Onos.
She also claimed that Taldang, Assistant Secretary of the AFN, promised to help but “failed to deliver” when she needed support the most.
Uko’s post called attention to what she described as “corruption and negligence” within the AFN.
“No one should have to suffer the consequences of a broken system,” she said, urging fellow athletes to demand accountability and transparency.
As of the time of this report, the AFN has not issued a public response on this matter.
Uko’s statement follows series of issues leveled on the AFN, especially that regarding neglect.
Recall Nigeria’s sprinter and 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, recently switched allegiance to Turkey, just three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Ofili’s reason is also as a result of a pattern of administrative issues and perceived negligence by the athletics federation .
She was excluded from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite qualifying, and previously missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to paperwork errors.
