Integrity First: AFN Warns Athletes Ahead Of Global Competitions
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
THE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has issued a stern warning to athletes and coaches against age falsification and doping, as Team Nigeria ramps up preparations for major international events, including the Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa, speaking during a visit to the Delta State Sports Commission in Asaba, emphasized that the federation will no longer tolerate any form of malpractice in Nigerian athletics. The visit also focused on securing approval to camp national athletes at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium.
“Anyone found guilty of age falsification or doping will face sanctions in line with international athletics regulations,” Okowa said. He stressed that integrity, discipline, and fair play are central to Nigeria’s athletics development agenda.
The proposed national camp in Asaba is part of a broader plan to create a structured, high-performance environment for athletes. Okowa explained that this initiative aims to ensure that only eligible and clean athletes represent the country on the global stage.
The AFN leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state associations, coaches, and athletes to restore credibility to Nigerian athletics, saying the federation is determined to align domestic programs with global best practices.
As Nigeria looks toward international competitions, the message from the AFN is clear: cheating and doping have no place in the country’s athletics system.
