NSC outlaws age falsification in Nigerian sports, introduces strict penalties
pannigeriannews
3 min read
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has secured the endorsement of the National Council of Sports for a groundbreaking policy that officially criminalises age falsification and introduces tough penalties for offenders across the Nigerian sporting system.
The approval, given during the 2nd National Council on Sports meeting in Calabar, marks one of the most decisive steps ever taken to address the long-standing problem of age cheating—a practice that has hampered talent development and tarnished Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.
In a statement signed by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, the commission stressed that the newly adopted framework signals a new era of accountability and zero tolerance.
Hon. Olopade described the development as a turning point, insisting that the culture of manipulating athletes’ ages had brought “national embarrassment” and undermined the future of honest young competitors.
“The era of impunity is over,” he declared. “Age falsification is a national disgrace and an act of sabotage against the future of Nigerian sports. These sanctions make it clear: anyone who manipulates or misrepresents age data will face the full force of the law.”
Under the new regulations, athletes, coaches, team officials, state delegations, administrators and even parents involved in age fraud will face sanctions.
Athletes found culpable will face immediate disqualification, forfeiture of medals, annulled records and suspensions ranging from one to two years for first-time offenders, with tougher or permanent bans for repeat violations.
Coaches and officials who aid or conceal falsification risk licence suspensions of up to three years, removal from their roles, and lifetime bans in serious cases. Entire teams or state contingents may also be disqualified, stripped of results and fined to cover investigative and administrative expenses.
The measures take immediate effect across all national age-grade competitions and will also guide Nigeria’s representation in continental and global events.
According to the NSC, the enforcement framework is a key component of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which prioritises transparency and integrity. By criminalising age cheating, Nigeria now aligns more closely with global standards enforced by FIFA, World Athletics, FIBA and the International Olympic Committee.
The commission reiterated that age falsification will no longer be treated as an internal or trivial matter. Anyone—athletes, parents, officials or state representatives—found aiding or covering up age fraud will be penalised without exception.
To ensure rigorous implementation, the NSC plans to deploy enhanced verification systems, including biometric screening, digital birth-record authentication and mandatory document audits ahead of major competitions.
Hon. Olopade emphasised that the reforms are ultimately meant to protect genuine young athletes.
“Real 17-year-olds should not be competing against falsified 20-year-olds,” he said. “These measures protect our children, safeguard our reputation and secure the future of Nigerian sports.”
With this decisive policy shift, Nigeria positions itself as a leader on the continent in establishing clear and enforceable consequences for age fraud. The NSC expects the reforms to strengthen youth development, improve talent discovery, rebuild public trust and enhance the credibility of sports administration nationwide.
The commission commended the National Council of Sports for its unanimous support and called on state sports councils, federations, coaches, parents and administrators to fully comply with the new standards.
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