Nigeria Moves to Stamp Out Age Cheating in Sports

Nigeria’s top sports administrators have agreed on a unified plan to crack down on age cheating, following intense deliberations at the National Council on Sports meeting in Calabar. National Sports Commission director-general, Bukola Olopade, said the issue dominated discussions, with all delegates reaching a firm decision that stronger action must now be taken.

Olopade revealed that the technical committee admitted “we have a scourge called age cheating in our sports,” adding that the conversation was heated but productive. He said delegates concluded that there must be a “draconian approach in the punishment of coaches, officials and stakeholders” who influence athletes to falsify their ages.

He noted that although he was previously unaware of some tactics used, the meeting exposed how some athletes “fabricate birth certificates or even change their NIN details… it does happen.” Despite accusations against some state officials, Olopade said all directors accepted that the practice must stop.

He added that the new reforms will begin with personal responsibility, stating, “It starts with the conscience.” The conference also discussed athlete insurance and welfare, and agreed on expanding the membership of the National Council on Sports to include sponsors, government agencies and other key contributors.