“21 Athletes and Coaches Suspended by AFN Over Age Falsification”

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has sanctioned 21 athletes, several coaches, and two state athletics associations after uncovering widespread age falsification at the 2025 African U‑18 and U‑20 Championships in Abeokuta.

A special investigation panel, established following concerns raised by the Athletics Integrity Unit, found athletes registering with conflicting dates of birth across different events, indicating deliberate falsification rather than clerical errors.

The AFN has issued disqualifications, annulled results, imposed periods of ineligibility, and stripped medals and titles from offending athletes. Coaches involved face coaching bans and license withdrawals, while the implicated states may face fines or suspensions from future competitions.

The federation emphasized that age eligibility is crucial for fair play, protecting young athletes and ensuring credible competition. It also introduced reforms including stronger verification systems and a secure athlete database to prevent future violations.