Nigerian 400m athlete Imaobong Uko has publicly accused the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) of negligence following her recent two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for whereabouts failures.
In a powerful statement, Uko described her suspension as the result of “a flawed system and a corrupt federation” that failed to support her when she needed it most.
“For months, I struggled with an online system meant to report my whereabouts—a crucial requirement for athletes undergoing drug testing,” Uko said.
“Despite reaching out repeatedly for help, I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait. My messages often went unanswered, leaving me feeling abandoned by the very organization that is supposed to protect and support athletes.”
During her hearing, Uko confronted AFN representatives, questioning why they did not assist her through her technical difficulties.
According to her, their response was vague and they claimed she incorrectly submitted her information—an accusation she strongly denies.
Uko also revealed the personal toll the ordeal took on her, highlighting how she sought help from key federation officials without success.
“I reached out to Mbachi Louis, Mrs. Onos—who initially ignored my messages and only contacted me on the day of my hearing but failed to respond when I sought help—and Taldang, the Assistant Secretary of the AFN, who promised assistance but did not deliver when it mattered most,” she said.
The athlete accused the federation of corruption and negligence, saying, “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.”
Uko’s statement concludes with a call for unity among athletes to demand transparency and fairness in Nigerian sports administration.
“Let’s unite to expose these injustices and fight for a fairer future in sports. Together, we can make a difference,” she said.
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