AFN Sets Up Special Committee to Investigate Alleged Athlete Age-Discrepancy Scandal

AFN Sets Up Special Committee to Investigate Alleged Athlete Age-Discrepancy Scandal

By Our Reporter 

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has constituted a Special Investigative Committee (SIC) to examine allegations of widespread age discrepancies among Nigerian athletes, following concerns reportedly raised by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision, announced on Monday, underscores the federation’s attempt to reinforce transparency and protect its reputation after reports indicated that 17 athletes were flagged for having multiple, conflicting dates of birth recorded across various continental and international competitions.

AFN Vice President Hon. Abubakar Ladan Gurmi will lead the committee. Other members include prominent sports administrator Barrister Musa Amadu, Olympian and former captain of D'Tigers Olumide Oyedeji, legal practitioner Barrister Dele Edokpayi, and Mbora Ikana.

According to correspondence sent by the AIU to AFN President Tonobok Okowa and Secretary-General Israel Inwang, several athletes were found to possess between two and four different birth dates on official documentation discrepancies the integrity body described as “glaring.”

The AFN stated that the panel will work expeditiously to determine the origins of the inconsistencies, identify any individuals or systemic failures responsible, and provide recommendations to prevent similar issues in the future. The federation emphasized that the investigation is key to bolstering Nigeria’s credibility and compliance with global athletics standards.