“I Refuse to Be Silent”: Nigerian Sprinter Imaobong Uko Slams AFN After Two-Year Ban

Nigerian quarter-miler and youth athletics sensation Imaobong Nse Uko has broken her silence following her two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), launching a scathing attack on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and accusing top officials of negligence and systemic failure.

In an emotionally charged statement posted to her Facebook page on Saturday, Uko titled her message “Exposing the Truth: My Fight Against an Unjust Suspension”, claiming she was “abandoned” by the very system meant to support and guide athletes.

“I have been handed a two-year suspension based on a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has failed to support me when I needed it most,” the 20-year-old wrote. “For months, I struggled with an online system meant to report my whereabouts… I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait.”

A Rising Star Crushed by a Broken System

Uko’s suspension was confirmed by the AIU in late June, citing a doping violation. Though the details remain vague, the infraction falls under non-substance-related offences, believed to involve a “whereabouts failure” — a breach of drug testing procedures rather than the use of banned substances.

The ban, which will keep her out of competition until July 23, 2026, also nullifies her results from the time of the infraction.

Uko, who rose to national prominence after clinching three gold medals at the 2021 World U20 Championships in Nairobi, says her efforts to resolve technical issues with her anti-doping reporting system were ignored. She specifically named AFN officials who failed to help her despite repeated appeals:

• Mbachi Louis
• Mrs. Onos, who she said ignored messages until the day of her hearing
• Taldang, Assistant Secretary of the AFN, who she claims failed to follow through on promises of help

“Their response was vague, and they claimed I had incorrectly submitted my information — a claim I adamantly deny,” she stated. “This situation has exposed the corruption and negligence within the federation.”

AFN Responds: We’ve Done Our Part

In response, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria rejected claims of negligence, insisting it has remained proactive in educating athletes on anti-doping rules. The AFN pointed to its doping department led by Professor Ken Anugweje, asserting that seminars, guidelines, and out-of-competition tests have been consistently administered.

“Athlete discipline is crucial,” the federation said in a statement. “We regret Imaobong’s suspension and will support her rehabilitation. But we also urge all athletes to cross-check medications, supplements, and obligations under global anti-doping rules.”

The federation stressed that athletes are personally responsible for compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) system, including timely updates of their whereabouts — a cornerstone of clean sport enforcement.

More Trouble for Nigerian Athletics

Uko’s ban is the latest in a growing list of doping-related setbacks plaguing Nigerian athletics. Just weeks earlier, Goodness Iredia, a long/triple jumper, was suspended for three years after testing positive for a banned steroid, Metenolone.

In June alone, the AIU sanctioned 19 athletes worldwide for various violations, putting increasing pressure on countries like Nigeria to improve compliance and athlete education.

“Let’s Unite”: Uko Calls for Athlete Action

Despite the career-altering setback, Imaobong Uko is refusing to retreat quietly. In her statement, she issued a rallying cry for fellow athletes:

“I am sharing my story not just for myself, but for every athlete who has faced injustice in silence… It’s time to demand accountability and transparency. No one should have to suffer the consequences of a broken system.”

She ended her message with a call for unity, urging fellow athletes and the public to support her campaign for reform in sports governance using hashtags like #ExposeTheCorruption, #JusticeForImaobong, and #FairnessInSports.

What’s Next for Uko?

Though suspended, Uko remains eligible to train and appeal her sanction through appropriate legal channels. The AFN has said it will support her “recovery,” but critics say systemic reform — not sympathy — is what’s needed.

For now, one of Nigeria’s brightest young track hopes will remain off the track, her future uncertain, her voice unmistakably loud.