Former world U-20 400m champion, Imaobong Nse Uko, is blaming the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for her two-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics over whereabouts failures.

   In a statement shared via her Instagram page over the weekend, the 20-year-old Nigerian sprinter decried what she termed a “flawed system and a negligent Athletics federation,” accusing the AFN of abandoning her during a critical period in her career.

   Uko, who rose to national prominence at just 14 years old by winning the 400m title at the 2018 National Sports Festival and later claimed gold at the 2021 World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, was provisionally suspended in July 2024 after missing three mandatory doping control updates within 12 months.

   “I struggled for months with the online system meant to report my whereabouts,” Uko wrote. “Despite reaching out to AFN repeatedly for help, I was met with excuses and silence. When I was ultimately suspended, I was devastated.”

According to Sportsnow.com.ng, her third whereabouts failure occurred just before the 2024 Nigerian Championships, where she placed third in the 400m. Since then, she has not competed and was notably absent from the 2025 NCAA indoor and outdoor seasons, despite remaining on Baylor University’s roster.

   Uko named several federation officials she contacted for help, claiming that their failure to respond or provide timely assistance contributed to her suspension.

  “This situation has exposed the corruption and negligence within the AFN 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.”

   The AIU has not disclosed the specific details of the missed tests, but the case underscores the challenges young Nigerian athletes face navigating complex anti-doping protocols without adequate institutional support.

   Despite the setback, Uko remains defiant and hopeful, calling on fellow athletes to demand accountability and transparency in sports governance.