The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has addressed the controversy surrounding the omission of Favour Ofili from the 100m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Samuel Onikeku, Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), clarified that Ofili was initially registered for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay events.
“We registered Ofili for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. We are unsure how her name was omitted from the 100m event. This is our stance as a federation,” Onikeku stated.
In response, Sports Minister John Enoh expressed his dissatisfaction, stating he will not tolerate such negligence and is demanding an explanation from the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
“Upon learning of Ofili’s situation this morning, I immediately contacted the AFN. The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, assured me that Favour Ofili was indeed registered for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.”
“The Secretary General of AFN also confirmed that the final list, which she forwarded to the NOC—the only body recognized by the International Olympic Committee to submit the final list of athletes—did include Ofili for the 100m.”
“I am now in contact with the President of the NOC and am awaiting his explanation.”
The 100m heats are scheduled for Friday, August 2nd.