Nigerian sprinter Imaobong Nse Uko has received a two-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit for testing positive for a prohibited substance, ruling her out of Paris 2024 and annulling her past results.

Nigerian sprint prodigy Imaobong Nse Uko has been handed a two-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a prohibited substance, marking a significant setback in the young athlete's promising career.

The 21-year-old sprinter, who gained international recognition after winning gold in the mixed 4x400m relay at the 2021 World U20 Championships and representing Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will now miss the entire Paris 2024 qualification season and other major competitions. The ban, which takes effect immediately, is in accordance with World Athletics anti-doping regulations.

In a statement, the AIU confirmed the suspension and the annulment of all her results recorded during the period of the violation. Although the specific substance has not been publicly disclosed, it has been identified as a non-specified prohibited drug—indicating it is considered more serious under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classifications.

Uko retains the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but has yet to issue a public statement regarding the ban or whether she intends to challenge the ruling.

This development casts a shadow not only over Uko’s budding career but also adds to the growing list of doping infractions involving Nigerian athletes. The country has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years from international bodies over its compliance with anti-doping standards. In 2021, Nigeria was placed under Category A—countries deemed high risk for doping—by the AIU, leading to tighter monitoring and testing requirements for its athletes.

Once hailed as one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics prospects, Uko had been seen as a potential medal contender on the global stage, given her strong performances and early career achievements. Her absence from the Paris 2024 qualification circuit will be a notable loss for Team Nigeria, which is already grappling with rebuilding trust in its anti-doping systems.

The AIU reiterated its commitment to maintaining a level playing field in athletics, stating that integrity and accountability remain non-negotiable in global sport.

As the athletics world continues its push towards transparency and fair competition, Uko’s case serves as another high-profile reminder of the ongoing battle against doping in sports.