PARIS OLYMPICS; SPORTS MINISTER TO PROBE FAVOUR OFILI’S DENIAL
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Nigeria’s Favour Ofili will not compete in the women’s 100 metres at the Paris Games after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and National Olympic Committee (NOC) failed to enter her in the event, the sprinter said.
Ofili was registered for the women’s 200 and the 4×100 relay on Wednesday but the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist said in a social media post late on Tuesday that she was not signed up for the shorter individual sprint.
“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 metres at this Olympic Games,” the 21-year-old wrote on social media platform X.
“I qualified but those with the AFN (Athletics Federation of Nigeria) and NOC (National Olympic Committee) failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?”
Ofili’s coach and the AFN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh commenting on his X handle said,”On July 28, 2024, as Minister of Sports Development, I visited and addressed Team Nigeria athletes at the Games Village in Paris. It was a no holds barred session. Thereafter, I had my usual personal interaction with the athletes to allow them to express their concerns directly to me, which has been my tradition as Minister of Sports. In addition, I have continued to encourage athletes to reach me directly on any concerns.
“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.”
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