Nigerian Sprinter Imaobong Uko Blames AFN Failures for Two-Year Doping Suspension

Nigerian Sprinter Imaobong Uko Blames AFN Failures for Two-Year Doping Suspension

By Admin 

Nigerian sprinter Imaobong Uko has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a two-year suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), alleging systemic failure and negligence by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement posted to her Instagram account on Sunday, the 20-year-old athlete voiced deep frustration and disappointment, asserting that she was abandoned by the very institution tasked with supporting her. Uko, considered one of Nigeria’s most promising young sprinters, said technical issues with the AIU’s whereabouts filing system were at the heart of the suspension—but claims repeated appeals for assistance from AFN officials were ignored.

"Today, I am sharing my story not just for myself, but for every athlete who has faced injustice in silence," she wrote. “I have been handed a two-year suspension based on a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has failed to support me when I needed it most.”

Under global anti-doping rules, elite athletes are required to regularly update their location through an online whereabouts system, enabling random drug testing. Uko alleges she faced prolonged difficulties with the platform and contacted AFN officials multiple times for help—only to be met with delays, poor communication, and unresolved technical problems.

"Despite reaching out repeatedly for help, I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait," she said. “My messages often went unanswered, leaving me feeling abandoned.”

During her hearing with the AIU, Uko said she confronted AFN representatives over their inaction. According to her account, officials responded with vague explanations and blamed her for submitting incorrect data—an accusation she strongly denied.

Uko named three federation officials—Mbachi Louis, Mrs. Onos, and Taldang, the AFN Assistant Secretary—whom she said she contacted during the ordeal. Despite initial promises, none of them provided adequate assistance, she claimed.

“This situation has exposed the corruption and negligence within the federation that is supposed to champion our rights as athletes,” Uko added. “I refuse to remain silent while they misuse their power and undermine our careers.”

Her statement concluded with a call for solidarity and reform, urging fellow athletes to advocate for greater transparency and accountability within sports governance.

“Let’s unite to expose these injustices and fight for a fairer future in sports. Together, we can make a difference.”

The AIU suspension will keep Uko sidelined until 2026, stalling a career that had shown significant promise. She burst onto the national scene as a teenage sensation and was widely regarded as a rising star in Nigerian athletics.