Nigerian quarter-miler and youth athletics sensation Imaobong Nse Uko has damaged her silence following her two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), launching a scathing assault on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and accusing high officers of negligence and systemic failure.
In an emotionally charged assertion posted to her Fb web page on Saturday, Uko titled her message “Exposing the Fact: My Combat Towards an Unjust Suspension”, claiming she was “deserted” by the very system meant to help and information athletes.
“I’ve been handed a two-year suspension based mostly on a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has didn’t help me once I wanted it most,” the 20-year-old wrote. “For months, I struggled with an internet system meant to report my whereabouts… I used to be met with infinite excuses about community points and informed to attend.”
A Rising Star Crushed by a Damaged System
Uko’s suspension was confirmed by the AIU in late June, citing a doping violation. Although the small print stay imprecise, the infraction falls underneath non-substance-related offences, believed to contain a “whereabouts failure” — a breach of drug testing procedures moderately than using banned substances.
The ban, which can preserve her out of competitors till July 23, 2026, additionally nullifies her outcomes from the time of the infraction.
Uko, who rose to nationwide prominence after clinching three gold medals on the 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi, says her efforts to resolve technical points along with her anti-doping reporting system had been ignored. She particularly named AFN officers who failed to assist her regardless of repeated appeals:
- Mbachi Louis
- Mrs. Onos, who she mentioned ignored messages till the day of her listening to
- Taldang, Assistant Secretary of the AFN, who she claims didn’t comply with by on guarantees of assist
“Their response was imprecise, they usually claimed I had incorrectly submitted my data — a declare I adamantly deny,” she said. “This example has uncovered the corruption and negligence throughout the federation.”
AFN Responds: We’ve Achieved Our Half
In response, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria rejected claims of negligence, insisting it has remained proactive in educating athletes on anti-doping guidelines. The AFN pointed to its doping division led by Professor Ken Anugweje, asserting that seminars, pointers, and out-of-competition assessments have been constantly administered.
“Athlete self-discipline is essential,” the federation mentioned in a press release. “We remorse Imaobong’s suspension and can help her rehabilitation. However we additionally urge all athletes to cross-check medicines, dietary supplements, and obligations underneath international anti-doping guidelines.”
The federation careworn that athletes are personally accountable for compliance with the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) system, together with well timed updates of their whereabouts — a cornerstone of unpolluted sport enforcement.
Extra Bother for Nigerian Athletics
Uko’s ban is the newest in a rising listing of doping-related setbacks plaguing Nigerian athletics. Simply weeks earlier, Goodness Iredia, a protracted/triple jumper, was suspended for 3 years after testing constructive for a banned steroid, Metenolone.
In June alone, the AIU sanctioned 19 athletes worldwide for numerous violations, placing rising strain on international locations like Nigeria to enhance compliance and athlete schooling.
“Let’s Unite”: Uko Requires Athlete Motion
Regardless of the career-altering setback, Imaobong Uko is refusing to retreat quietly. In her assertion, she issued a rallying cry for fellow athletes:
“I’m sharing my story not only for myself, however for each athlete who has confronted injustice in silence… It’s time to demand accountability and transparency. Nobody ought to should undergo the implications of a damaged system.”
She ended her message with a name for unity, urging fellow athletes and the general public to help her marketing campaign for reform in sports governance utilizing hashtags like #ExposeTheCorruption, #JusticeForImaobong, and #FairnessInSports.
What’s Subsequent for Uko?
Although suspended, Uko stays eligible to coach and attraction her sanction by applicable authorized channels. The AFN has mentioned it is going to help her “restoration,” however critics say systemic reform — not sympathy — is what’s wanted.
For now, one in every of Nigeria’s brightest younger monitor hopes will stay off the monitor, her future unsure, her voice unmistakably loud.