The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has formed an investigative panel to examine allegations of age discrepancies involving athletes who competed at the 2025 African U-18 and U-20 championships in Abeokuta.

Vice-President Abubakar Gurmi will lead the committee, which includes Musa Amadu, Olumide Oyedeji and Dele Edokoayi. The panel is expected to conclude its work ahead of a January deadline set by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

The AIU asked the federation to respond by email no later than 5pm CET on January 16, 2026, requiring the AFN to complete the investigation before that date. The inquiry follows an AFN statement confirming that President Tonobok Okowa ordered a full-scale probe after several athletes were flagged for having multiple dates of birth on record.

National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko said the NSC demands strict accountability and warned that any official found culpable will face disciplinary action. “At a time we give no place to age cheat in our sports, this will not be swept under the carpet,” he said.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade added that the federation must demonstrate competence and diligence to restore confidence and prevent international embarrassment. The AFN has pledged to uncover the facts and hold any offenders to account to protect the integrity of age-grade competitions.