In a statement on Saturday, NSC said the decision was
endorsed at the second National Council on Sports in Calabar.

“The sanctions will apply to athletes, coaches, team
officials, officiating officials, state delegations and administrators involved
in any form of age fraud,” the statement reads.

“Offending athletes will face immediate disqualification,
loss of medals, withdrawn records and suspensions ranging from one to two years
for a first offence, and longer or permanent bans for repeat violations.

“Coaches and officials involved in falsification risk
licence suspensions of up to three years, removal from all duties and permanent
disqualification in severe cases.

“Entire teams and state delegations may be disqualified,
stripped of results and fined to cover administrative and investigation costs.

“The NSC also issued a clear warning: age cheating will no
longer be treated as a minor internal issue. Athletes, parents, officials and
state representatives who assist, conceal or participate in falsification will
face penalties without exception.”

These guidelines take effect immediately across all national
age-grade competitions, and Nigerians representing the country at continental
and international events are not exempted.

Bukola Olopade, the director-general of NSC, says any
individual caught manipulating age for sporting reasons in the country “will
face the full weight of the law”.

“The era of impunity is over. [Age falsification is] a
national disgrace and a systematic sabotage of Nigeria’s sports future,” he
said.

“Age cheating steals dreams, destroys careers and tarnishes
our flag,” Hon. Olopade said. “These new sanctions send a clear message: If you
manipulate, falsify or misrepresent ages in Nigerian sport, you will face the
full weight of the law.”

“Genuine 17-year-olds should not be competing against
falsified 20-year-olds. These reforms protect our children, our reputation and
our future.”