A high-stakes standoff between the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) over the proper conduct of elections has placed the AFN on a potential collision course with World Athletics. At the heart of the dispute is the legitimacy of upcoming AFN elections, and the consequences could be severe: a possible suspension that would bar Nigerian track and field athletes from international competitions.
Tension over electoral timetable
The controversy erupted in April 2025 when the NSC issued a nationwide directive mandating that all sports federations in Nigeria must conduct their executive elections within a 90-day window. The order included strict requirements that federations must submit their electoral guidelines, schedules, and committee members for NSC approval prior to commencing any electoral process.
Despite these clear instructions, the AFN announced that its elections would be held in late July, well outside the specified timeframe, and without first seeking the NSC’s authorization. This move has been viewed by the commission as a direct violation of federal sports policy and a breach of established protocol.
Speaking to reporters, an NSC spokesperson stated, “Elections conducted without our authorization breach federal directives and violate World Athletics’ governance standards. Compliance is not optional.”
Suspension threat from World Athletics
The implications of the AFN’s defiance extend far beyond local politics. World Athletics requires that national federations operate in accordance with the legal and regulatory frameworks of their home countries. Any deviation from these standards, particularly involving election procedures, is viewed as a serious governance lapse.
If the AFN proceeds with elections that are not recognized by the NSC, World Athletics could declare Nigeria’s federation non-compliant. This status would carry an automatic suspension from international track and field events, including the African Championships, the Diamond League, and the 2026 World Championships.
AFN’s counterargument and history of governance turmoil
The AFN has pushed back, arguing that it reserves the right to independently manage its internal affairs, including elections. Federation officials point to past election cycles that were conducted without incident and without NSC intervention.
However, sports analysts and critics argue that the AFN’s track record undermines its claims of credibility. Since 2016, the organization has been repeatedly embroiled in leadership disputes, rival factions, delayed elections, and legal challenges. Notably, in 2023, due to a tangle of conflicting court rulings, Nigerian athletes were forced to compete under a neutral flag at an international Diamond League meet—a national embarrassment that underscored the chaos within the federation.
Impact on athletes and national image
While administrators squabble, Nigeria’s elite athletes are bearing the brunt of the uncertainty. Top sprinters, jumpers, and throwers are in active preparation for upcoming qualifying meets and championships. A suspension by World Athletics would be devastating, stripping them of the opportunity to represent the country on the global stage and potentially jeopardizing years of hard-earned training and career planning.
“Missing the African Championships or Worlds would be a huge setback,” said a national team coach who requested anonymity. “Athletes are mentally and physically primed for these events. Now their dreams hang in the balance.”
Beyond performance concerns, the consequences of a suspension could be long-lasting:
- International Isolation: Nigerian athletes would be banned from competing under the national flag at World Athletics-sanctioned events.
- Financial Fallout: Nigeria could lose access to development grants, technical assistance, and anti-doping integrity support from World Athletics.
- Brand Reputation: Sponsors and commercial partners may withdraw support, damaging future investment in athletics development.
Steps toward resolution
With time running out, sports stakeholders are calling for immediate action to defuse the crisis. Key recommendations include:
- Emergency Talks: The NSC and AFN must urgently convene to align on a credible and compliant electoral process.
- Constitutional Reform: The AFN should amend its statutes to formally recognize NSC oversight, thereby ensuring future legal and administrative alignment.
- Independent Electoral Panel: Establishing a neutral electoral body jointly approved by the NSC and World Athletics could restore confidence and guarantee transparency.
A nation’s pride on the line
Nigeria has a rich track-and-field legacy, producing icons like Chioma Ajunwa, Blessing Okagbare, and Tobi Amusan. The current governance crisis risks halting that legacy in its tracks. As the clock ticks toward the next competitive season, the need for resolution has never been more urgent.
Whether through compromise or reform, only decisive leadership can steer Nigerian athletics away from international disgrace and back toward the podium.
