The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has reiterated its determination to work with relevant stakeholders to fight the scourge of drug cheats in the business.
AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa has made it clear: “There is no room for cheats.”
This strong stance comes in response to the suspension of 19 athletes — including rising Nigerian star Imaobong Nse — by the World Athletics Integrity Unit for doping violations.
The list of banned athletes is led by seven Kenyans, each handed four-year suspensions, while Brazil’s Daniel do Nascimento received the heaviest punishment with a five-year ban.
“There is no room for cheats and athletes who are not willing to follow the rules in the Federation. You will recall that before the last Olympic Games in Paris, we funded sixty percent of the drug tests carried out, that is how serious we are in the Federation,” the AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa said.
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He added: “At all major competitions on the home front we carry out our drug advocacy campaign to the athletes, coaches and technical officials involved in the business. The last of such seminars took place during the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.”
The AFN further denied under-the-tone talks that it has been docile in communicating the dangers and risks of doping violations and rules to athletes after Uko was handed a two-year ban by the AIU, adding it has been diligent in communicating Anti-doping rules to athletes through its doping department headed by Professor Ken Anugweje.
The Federation emphasized that athlete discipline is crucial and that the Federation will continue to spread anti-doping principles to athletes. It has carried out a series of out-of-competition tests on elite athletes and warned them about career preservation through discipline.
The AFN regretted Imaobong Nse Uko’s ban and will assist her recovery until she serves out her ban.
Okowa, who was recently offered another four years term as President of AFN, advised athletes to properly cross-check vitamins and their dietary supplements to avoid endangering their careers and lives.
