The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has inaugurated a Special Investigative Committee (SIC) to probe allegations of widespread age discrepancies involving Nigerian athletes, following concerns raised by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
The move, announced on Monday, is part of the federation’s efforts to demonstrate transparency and absolve itself of any wrongdoing amid reports that 17 athletes were flagged for multiple conflicting dates of birth recorded at various continental and global competitions.
AFN Vice President, Hon. Abubakar Ladan Gurmi, has been appointed to chair the committee. Other members include respected sports administrator Barrister Musa Amadu, former Olympian and sports icon Olumide Oyedeji, legal expert Barrister Dele Edokpayi, and Mbora Ikana.
According to correspondence sent by the AIU to AFN President Tonobok Okowa and General Secretary Israel Inwang, several athletes were found to have two to four different dates of birth across official documents — a development the integrity body described as “glaring discrepancies.”
The AFN said the investigative panel will work swiftly to determine the root causes of the inconsistencies, identify those responsible, and make recommendations to prevent future occurrences as Nigeria continues its push for stronger global credibility in athletics.
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