Controversy surrounds Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze’s selection as AFN Board Member
The recent appointment of Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Board has sparked significant debate, with critics questioning her eligibility under the federation’s constitution.
According to Article 6 of the AFN Constitution (2023, as amended) on the composition of the Board, one of the 13 board seats is reserved for a representative from Corporate Sponsors, Ex-Officio members, or Philanthropists.
Traditionally, this position has been filled by a nominee selected by the supervising sports ministry or the National Sports Commission (NSC)—a practice that lacks explicit constitutional backing.
However, concerns have been raised that Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze does not meet any of the three criteria outlined for the role.
She is neither a sponsor of AFN nor affiliated with a sponsoring company, has never served as an ex-officio member, and does not seem to qualify as a philanthropist with a history of financial contributions to Nigerian athletics.
Adding to the controversy was her selection as AFN second Vice President at the expense of Olympian, Fatimah Yusuf, a decorated Nigerian athlete with an illustrious career.
Yusuf made history as the first woman to win both the 200m and 400m gold medals at the African Championships, secured World U20 and Commonwealth Games gold medals in the same year (1990), and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated track and field stars.
With governance issues already plaguing AFN—including concerns over constitutional amendments and third-party interference—this decision has further fueled debates about transparency and merit-based appointments within Nigerian athletics.
