AFN Cautions Athletes On Age Cheating, Doping

AFN Cautions Athletes On Age Cheating, Doping

Sampson Adedeji

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has issued a stern warning to athletes and coaches against age falsification and doping, signalling a renewed push to sanitise the country’s athletics system, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The warning comes as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for major international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Championships.

Speaking during a visit to the Delta State Sports Commission in Asaba, where the federation sought approval to camp national athletes at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, AFN President Tonobok Okowa stressed that the federation would no longer tolerate any form of malpractice.

“Anyone found guilty of age falsification or doping will face sanctions in line with international athletics regulations,” Okowa said.

He added that the AFN is committed to aligning Nigeria’s athletics programme with global best practices, noting that integrity, discipline and fair play remain central to the federation’s development agenda.

Okowa also disclosed that the proposed national camp in Asaba is part of a broader strategy to create a structured, high-performance environment for athletes as preparations intensify for upcoming global championships.

The AFN leadership reaffirmed its resolve to work closely with state associations, coaches and athletes to restore credibility to Nigerian athletics and ensure that only eligible, clean athletes represent the country on the international stage.