Senator John Owan Enoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports and Development, has voiced strong discontent over the exclusion of athlete Favour Ofili from the 100m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This follows Ofili’s accusations that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) failed to register her for the event.
Ofili, who competes in both the 100m and 200m events, was expected to represent Nigeria alongside Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma. However, the oversight by the relevant sports bodies has cost her the chance to participate.
In a statement issued on July 31, 2024, Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction with the negligence and announced that thorough sanctions will be imposed following an investigation. He has instructed the AFN and NOC to ensure Ofili’s inclusion in the races she is qualified for and has emphasized that such administrative recklessness will not be tolerated.
The Minister’s statement highlighted past issues involving Ofili, noting that she had previously faced challenges at the African Championships in Douala. Enoh assured that he had been in contact with the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee and the NOC regarding Ofili’s concerns. According to the AFN, Ofili was registered for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay, but there seems to be confusion regarding her final entry list.
Favour Ofili, a top athlete with notable achievements including a Commonwealth Games silver medal, an African Games championship, and former World U20 and African Senior Athletics Championships titles, remains committed to competing. Enoh’s immediate directive is to rectify the situation and ensure Ofili’s participation in the Paris Olympics, underscoring that the Ministry of Sports Development will not tolerate incompetence.