AFN cautions athletes over risky scholarship deals

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has issued a stern warning to Nigerian athletes and their families regarding scholarship agreements offered by agents and agencies. The federation is urging caution, emphasizing the need to thoroughly understand contract terms before signing, as some deals are reportedly detrimental to athletes' education, careers, and long-term interests.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa stated that the federation is actively monitoring agreements involving Nigerian athletes and is prepared to intervene if deals are found to be harmful. This advisory comes in response to allegations of exploitative clauses and extortion by an agency reportedly imposing five-year contracts and demanding 25% of athletes' earnings. Reports suggest these contracts grant the agency exclusive authority to manage athlete communications with universities and sponsors, taking a significant cut of all secured financial obligations.

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It is necessary to protect young athletes from arrangements that could negatively affect their education, careers or national representation.

Okowa, who also holds a senior vice president position at the Confederation of African Athletics, stressed that athlete welfare is a primary responsibility of the AFN. He clarified that the federation has not authorized any agents or agencies to provide scholarships on its behalf and reiterated the call for athletes and families to exercise due diligence. The AFN also highlighted that agreements involving minor athletes require the explicit knowledge and consent of their parents or legal guardians to protect them from arrangements that could negatively impact their education, careers, or national representation.

In a specific instance, the AFN advised an athlete to terminate an agreement with an agent and a school after determining it was not in the athlete's best interest and could harm Nigeria's interests. Okowa, who directed the AFN's Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, a lawyer, to investigate the circumstances, urged athletes and families to seek professional advice before committing to any arrangement. The federation assured athletes that it would continue to safeguard their interests and ensure that opportunities contribute positively to their development.

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In a particular case, I directed the AFN Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, who is a lawyer, to examine the circumstances surrounding an athlete’s agreement.