Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that a formal investigation is already underway following the Athletics Integrity Unit’s (AIU) query to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) over conflicting birth dates submitted for some athletes at the 2025 African U18 & U20 Championships held in Abeokuta.
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The issue has generated widespread public concern, prompting the NSC to move swiftly. Dikko revealed that the Commission is working closely with the AFN to uncover the truth behind the suspected cases of age manipulation, a recurring problem in Nigerian youth sports.
“Investigations are ongoing. We are working hand in hand with the AFN to establish the facts and take appropriate action,” Dikko confirmed.
He emphasized that the matter is being treated with absolute seriousness, noting that age integrity was one of the most critical topics discussed during the recently concluded National Council of Sports meeting in Calabar.
“Age cheating is a major issue. It was addressed thoroughly in Calabar, because it undermines the credibility of our athletes and the nation as a whole,” he said.
Dikko reiterated that the NSC is committed to cleaning up Nigerian sports, stressing that any athlete, coach, or official found guilty will face strict sanctions under the Commission’s new anti-age-falsification framework.
“Anyone found guilty will be punished. We want to send a strong message — this behaviour will no longer be tolerated in Nigerian sports,” he declared.
The Chairman highlighted the long-term damage caused by age manipulation, including unfair competition, athlete burnout, and reputational harm on the international stage.
“We must protect the integrity of our athletes. Age fraud destroys careers, destroys trust, and damages our standing globally,” Dikko added.
He assured Nigerians that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and followed by decisive consequences.
“This probe is not a witch hunt — it is about ensuring fairness, restoring confidence, and safeguarding the future of Nigerian athletics,” he concluded.
