Ever since Nigerian athletics was pushed into the spotlight following the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) swift move to investigate disturbing allegations of athletes presenting multiple birth dates at the 2025 African U-18 and U-20 Championships in Abeokuta, the entire sports community has been on edge.
The unfortunate development drew the attention of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics, which formally requested clarification after flagging several Nigerian athletes whose documentation appeared inconsistent.
This prompted the AFN to take immediate action, launching a thorough review to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure Nigeria’s credibility on the international stage.
It is true that this sad and unfortunate situation, which deeply embarrassed the nation, required a thorough and comprehensive investigation from every possible angle.
Stakeholders, fans, and international bodies all expected clarity and decisive action to restore confidence in Nigerian athletics.
The most recent intervention came from the Board Chairman of the Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, who also lent his voice to the unfolding situation.
His comments have certainly added another layer to the ongoing conversation, although the manner and direction of his call have sparked mixed reactions across the sporting community.
Many agree that the issue deserves attention, but the approach he adopted has raised questions about due process and respect for established structures.
In his reaction to the unfolding situation via a released, Gara Gombe called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to sack the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa.
According to him, the AFN leadership should be held fully accountable for the ongoing U-18/U-20 age-cheating investigation currently being conducted by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
He argued that the federation’s top officers must take responsibility for any lapses that may have contributed to this embarrassing development.
Gombe hinted in his statement that the AIU’s query did not come as a surprise to him, describing the Okowa-led administration as “a disappointment and an embarrassment to Nigeria.”
He further alleged that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had supported Okowa’s rise to the AFN presidency without ensuring proper accountability.
According to Gombe, this lack of oversight has led to corruption, mismanagement, and a blatant disregard for the federation’s statutes, contributing to the current crisis in Nigerian athletics.
Lastly, Gombe issued a stern warning, stating that if the NSC fails to remove Okowa, it should be prepared to “go down with him.” He cautioned that more controversies could surface before the AIU’s deadline of January 16, 2026.
Gombe further urged the NSC to suspend Okowa within two weeks pending a thorough investigation, emphasizing that any failure to act decisively would provoke a strong response from stakeholders determined to protect the integrity of Nigerian athletics.
In the first instance, I am not opposed to the issues Gara Gombe is raising; in fact, many of his concerns may be valid and worth addressing. But what I find troubling is why he seems to be personalizing the matter.
Turning systemic or organizational challenges into personal attacks only clouds the real issues and risks undermining constructive dialogue and proper resolution.
However, what I find particularly unsettling is the manner in which he is making his demands.
The approach comes across as confrontational and bypasses the proper channels, which risks creating unnecessary tension instead of fostering a constructive resolution.
Because I am sure there are established procedures for addressing grievances, and these channels should always be respected.
We must also remember that the AFN is one of the federations with reputable, duly elected individuals serving as members.
If I am not mistaken, There are people who were entrusted by stakeholders to lead and protect the integrity of the federation.
Therefore, any call for action should acknowledge their legitimacy and follow the appropriate democratic processes that guide the federation’s operations.
Besides, the federation certainly has a working document or constitution that guides its day-to-day operations as well as the conduct of its members and officials.
These internal guidelines exist precisely to ensure order, accountability, and proper procedure.
That is why I believe Gara Gombe should have directed his concerns or allegations to the federation itself, following the appropriate channels, instead of taking them directly to the NSC.
Addressing such matters internally would not only respect the autonomy of the federation but also strengthen its structures and encourage responsible governance.
I am certain that Gara Gombe understands that we operate in a democratic system. Therefore, calling on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to dissolve or sack the AFN board is not only undemocratic but also a step that will not move our sports sector forward.
Instead of resorting to such measures, we should allow the federation to address its internal issues and put its house in order.
Every organization faces challenges, but the best progress comes when those challenges are resolved through due process, transparency, and respect for democratic principles.
The AFN should be given the space to clean up anything that may tarnish its image and emerge stronger, more organized, and more accountable.
Honestly, I see Gara Gombe’s appeal to the NSC as an attempt to directly or indirectly to undermine or truncate the mandate of a duly elected leadership.
When people have been chosen through a legitimate and democratic process, any move that seeks to remove them outside the proper channels raises serious concerns.
Such an approach not only disregards due process but also threatens the stability and credibility of the federation.
If we genuinely desire progress in our sports sector, then we must safeguard our democratic structures rather than weaken them.
True development can only thrive when institutions are respected, leaders are allowed to carry out their mandates, and disagreements are handled through established procedures.
Undermining these structures only creates instability, breeds mistrust, and slows down the growth we all aspire to see.
