Imaobong Uko Points to AFN Failures Amid Two-Year Doping Ban

Imaobong Nse Uko, a Nigerian athlete, has maintained that she is in no way responsible for her anti-doping rule infraction.
Imaobong Nse Uko was found guilty by the Athletics Integrity Unit of breaking its anti-doping policy, which she allegedly did on June 5, 2024. She was included on the AIU June 2025 punishment list and holds a two-year suspension.

While the AIU did not reveal the specifics of the offense, it is classified as a non-doping infraction, like whereabouts failures.

From the date of the infringement until June 23, 2026, Uko will not be permitted to compete in any professional competition as a result of this sentence.

Following the two-year suspension, Uko, the 2021 World Under-20 triple gold champion, attributed the action to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. She accused the body of corruption and carelessness, which resulted in her breaking the anti-doping regulation.

“The problem started when I had technical issues using the online whereabouts system that athletes are required to use under drug-testing protocols,” she said.

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The predicament, according to Uko, is the result of “a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has failed to support” her during her most vulnerable moments.

Despite her numerous attempts to reach the federation officials, she accused the AFN of failing to assist her.

In order to disclose my locations, which is an essential necessity for athletes undergoing drug testing, I battled for months with an online system. Imaobong Nse Uko posted on Instagram, “I kept contacting for assistance, but I was told to wait and kept getting excuses about network problems.” “The very organization that is meant to safeguard and support athletes left me feeling abandoned because my messages frequently went unanswered.

“I was devastated to learn that I had been suspended. In order to get the federation representatives to help me with my technical issues, I approached them during the hearing. I vehemently dispute their ambiguous response, which implied that I had entered my information in error.

Mbachi Louis and Mrs. Onos were among the many people I contacted for assistance; nevertheless, she initially ignored my messages, giving me the impression that she was no longer approachable. She called me on the same number on the day of my hearing, which is ironic, but she did not answer when I asked for assistance.

Taldang, the AFN’s assistant secretary, also sent me a note promising support. Nevertheless, he fell short when I most needed his assistance.

“This circumstance has brought to light the corruption and carelessness within the federation that is meant to defend our rights as athletes.” Even if they abuse their position of authority and ruin our jobs, I will not keep quiet.

“I am sharing my story in order to raise awareness of the structural problems that our sports organizations face. It’s time for athletes to show solidarity and demand openness and responsibility. The effects of a malfunctioning system shouldn’t be borne by anyone.