The minister of sports and development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed disappointment over the omission of Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili from the 100m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Recalls that Ofili had placed the blame on the shoulders of the country’s sports body.
Ofili who competes in the 100m and 200m events was supposed to fly the country’s flag along with Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma in the 100m but, according to her, failure by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN), Nigeria Olympic Committee, (NOC), and the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) to register her for the event has cost her the opportunity.
Reacting through a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, 31st of July, 2024, the Sports Minister, Enoh while frowning at the negligence approach of officials, noted that there will be thorough sanctions after investigations into the development.
He also ordered the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee to ensure that Favour Ofili is not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races for which she is qualified and registered to represent the country at the Paris Olympics.
He equally warned against recklessness in front of duties, adding that all parties must take their duties very seriously.
The statement reads partly: “In hindsight, when Ofili had issues at the African Championships in Douala, I reached out to get her side of the story, and this time, it hasn’t been different. Favour Ofili reached me directly, expressing her concern for her races.Immediately I called Professor Ken Anugweje, the lead of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee, to ensure that Ofili’s issues are thoroughly addressed. He got back to me shortly after to say he was in touch with the 1st Vice President of NOC,Chief Solomon Ogba, and that the matter was being handled.
“Upon hearing Ofili’s distress this morning, I reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stated categorically that Favour Ofili was registered for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. The Secretary General of AFN has also insisted that the final list forwarded by her to NOC (the only body the International Olympic Committee receives the final list of athletes from),had Ofili listed for the 100m as well. I am in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation.
“Ofili has been in the top eight at the World Championships.She is a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m.
“As Minister of Sports, I will not tolerate this utter recklessness. It is highly inexcusable, and there will be thorough sanctions after investigations into where and from whom this gross negligence originated. All parties must take their duties very seriously. The current way of operating the Federal Ministry of Sports Development does not allow for incompetence at any level.
“As an immediate measure, the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee must ensure that Favour Ofili is not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races for which she is qualified and registered to represent the country at the Paris Olympics. She is committed to proving her mettle.
