National Council of Sports (NSC) has approved a policy to criminalise age falsification in Nigerian sports and enforce strict sanctions.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to National Sports Commission (NSC) in a statement on Saturday, the decision was endorsed during the second National Council on Sports held in Calabar.
Under the new policy, athletes, coaches, team officials, referees, state delegations, and administrators found guilty of age fraud will face severe consequences.
Offending athletes risk disqualification, loss of medals, annulment of records, and suspensions of one to two years for a first offence, with longer or permanent bans for repeat violations.
Coaches and officials may face licence suspensions of up to three years, removal from duties, or permanent disqualification in serious cases, while entire teams or state delegations can be disqualified, stripped of results, and fined to cover administrative costs.
NSC emphasised that age cheating will no longer be treated as a minor internal matter, warning that anyone who participates in, conceals, or assists age falsification will face penalties.
The guidelines apply immediately to all national age-grade competitions, as well as Nigerians representing the country in continental and international events.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said, “The era of impunity is over. [Age falsification is] a national disgrace and a systematic sabotage of Nigeria’s sports future. Age cheating steals dreams, destroys careers and tarnishes our flag.”
“These new sanctions send a clear message: If you manipulate, falsify or misrepresent ages in Nigerian sport, you will face the full weight of the law.”
“Genuine 17-year-olds should not be competing against falsified 20-year-olds. These reforms protect our children, our reputation and our future.”
