‘I Was Failed by the System’: Imaobong Nse Uko Speaks Out After Two-Year Ban
Former World U20 400m champion Imaobong Nse Uko has broken her silence following a two-year suspension handed down by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for whereabouts failures.
In a powerful statement shared via her Instagram page, the 20-year-old Nigerian sprinter decried what she described as a ‘flawed system and a negligent federation’, which she says abandoned 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 U20 Championships, was provisionally suspended in July 2024 after missing three mandatory doping control updates within a 12-month period.
‘I struggled for months with the online system meant to report my whereabouts,’ Uko wrote. ‘Despite reaching out 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, including Mbachi Louis, Mrs. Onos, and Taldang, the Assistant Secretary of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). She claims their failure to respond or provide timely assistance contributed to her suspension.
‘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.’
The AIU has not disclosed the specific details of the missed tests, but the case underscores the challenges young 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.
