BY BEN OGBEMUDIA
Nigerian sprinter, Imaobong Uko has broken her silence over her recent two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), claiming that she was failed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in a deeply flawed and negligent system.
In a statement released via Instagram on Sunday, Uko expressed heartbreak and frustration over what she described as a lack of support and communication from AFN officials during a crucial period when she struggled with technical issues related to her whereabouts filings, a requirement for all athletes subject to drug testing protocols.
“Today, I am sharing my story not just for myself, but for every athlete who has faced injustice in silence,” she wrote. “I have been handed a two-year suspension based on a flawed system and a corrupt federation that has failed to support me when I needed it most.”
Uko detailed a months-long ordeal where she encountered persistent challenges with the online system used to log her whereabouts.
Despite reaching out to AFN representatives for assistance, she claimed she was met with excuses and neglect.
“Despite reaching out repeatedly for help, I was met with endless excuses about network issues and told to wait. My messages often went unanswered, leaving me feeling abandoned,” she added.
During her hearing with the AIU, the 20-year-old athlete said she directly questioned AFN officials on why they didn’t intervene to help resolve her issues.
She alleges that the response was vague, with officials blaming her for submitting incorrect data—an accusation she vehemently denies.
Uko named several individuals within the federation whom she contacted for help, including Mbachi Louis, Mrs. Onos, and Taldang, the Assistant Secretary of the AFN.
She said that despite initial promises and communications, all three failed to provide timely assistance when it mattered most.
“This situation has exposed the corruption and negligence within the federation that is supposed to champion our rights as athletes,” she said. “I refuse to remain silent while they misuse their power and undermine our careers.”
Uko’s statement ends with a call to action, urging fellow athletes to unite in demanding transparency and accountability from sports federations.