AFN clears air on Nse Uko’s dope violation ordeal
By Uzor Odigbo
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has distanced itself from the current two year ban handed Imaobong Nse Uko by the Integrity Unit of World Athletics for doping violations for committing three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period.
The AFN, explained that the whereabout filling is the responsibility of any elite athlete, “Athletes are required to provide the following whereabouts information on a quarterly basis – Home address, Email address, Phone number, An address for overnight accommodations.
“Regular activities, such as training, work, and school, the locations and the times of these activities.”
The Federation stated that her failure to do the needful was the reason she was handed a two years ban which expires in July 2026.
“Athletes are role models and they have an important responsibility to protect the integrity of their sport. Providing whereabouts is about protecting the athlete’s right to clean sport.
“You can be tested by relevant National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations (IFs) and Major Event Organizations (MEOs). And AFN can’t conduct a Whereabout test.
“It’s the International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations that are responsible for determining if you are required to provide whereabouts information or not, it’s not part of its duties.
“However, the AFN will continue to carry out its drug advocacy campaign to the athletes, coaches and technical officials involved in the business.
The last of such seminars took place during the just concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria.”
The AFN insists that it will stick to its due diligence in communicating Anti-doping rules to athletes through its doping department headed by Professor Ken Anugweje.
The Federation emphasized that athlete discipline is crucial and that the Federation will continue to spread anti-doping principles to athletes.
Imaobong Uko was given a 2-year ban for Whereabouts Filing Failure.
