Nigeria’s Athlete Imaobong Nse Uko Blames AFN For Two-Year Ban

Nigerian athlete Imaobong Nse Uko has insisted that she is not at fault following her anti-doping rule violation.

Athletics Integrity Unit found Imaobong Nse Uko guilty of violating its anti-doping rule, an offence she allegedly committed on June 5, 2024. She has been suspended for two years and she was a part of the AIU June 2025 sanctions list.

Although the AIU did not disclose the specific nature of the offence, it falls under non-doping violations, such as whereabouts failures.

This sanction means Uko will not be eligible to participate in any professional competition from the time of the infraction to June 23, 2026.

In her reaction to the sanction, Uko, the 2021 World Under-20 triple gold medallist, blamed the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for the two-year suspension. She accused the body of negligence and corruption which led to her anti-doping rule violation.

According to her, the issue began when she experienced technical difficulties while using the online whereabouts system required for athletes under drug-testing protocols.

Uko said the situation is a product of “a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has failed to support” her when she needed it most.

She accused the AFN of failure to come to her aid despite repeated attempts to contact the federation officials.

“For months, I struggled with an online system meant to report my whereabouts a crucial requirement for athletes undergoing drug testing. Despite reaching out repeatedly for help, I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait”, Imaobong Nse Uko wrote on Instagram. “My messages often went unanswered, leaving me feeling abandoned by the very organisation that is supposed to protect and support athletes.

“When I was ultimately suspended, I was devastated. During the hearing, I confronted the federation representatives, asking them why they didn’t assist me during my technical difficulties. Their response was vague, and they claimed I had incorrectly submitted my information a claim I adamantly deny.

“I reached out to numerous individuals for support, including: Mbachi Louis, Mrs. Onos, who initially ignored my messages, leading me to believe she was no longer reachable. Ironically, on the day of my hearing, she contacted me through that same number but did not respond when I sought help.

“I also received a message from Taldang, the Assistant Secretary of the AFN, who promised assistance. Yet, when I needed help the most, he failed to deliver.

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

“I am sharing my story to shine a light on the systemic issues that plague our sports organisations. It’s time for athletes to stand together and demand accountability and transparency. No one should have to suffer the consequences of a broken system.”