In light of scrutiny from the Athletics Integrity Unit regarding age falsification among Nigerian athletes, Roster Athletics has come to the defense of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, emphasizing that the issues at hand are primarily due to systemic data management inefficiencies rather than deliberate misconduct. The Athletics Integrity Unit has flagged 17 athletes for conflicting birth dates, prompting a call for verifiable documentation to clarify these concerns.

Kristian Midtgaard, the Head of Business Development at Roster Athletics, expressed confidence in the integrity of the athletes and the Federation. He asserted that the challenges faced in maintaining accurate athlete data are rooted in the complexities of data management rather than a reflection of the athletes’ honesty. Midtgaard pointed out that without proper automation and data management systems, minor errors can arise, leading to significant discrepancies that may be perceived as age falsification.

This situation sheds light on the need for improved data management practices within the athletics sector in Nigeria. By having reliable systems in place, the likelihood of such errors can be minimized, thereby preserving the reputation of the athletes and maintaining the trust in the national athletics framework. The emphasis on integrity and transparency in data management is essential for the future of athletics in Nigeria, especially with international scrutiny poised to increase as more competitions are set to engage.