Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has expressed her deep frustration after being omitted from the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to an administrative error by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Ofili, who won the Nigerian 100m title at the Olympic trials in Benin, was set to compete in the 100m event in Paris. However, the AFN only entered her for the 200m event, leaving her dreams of competing in the 100m dashed. The talented athlete has been one of the most consistent sprinters this season, making her a strong candidate for a medal.
In an emotional statement shared on her social media platforms, Ofili, the National 200m Record holder, voiced her disappointment. She highlighted that this is the second consecutive Olympics where her chances have been compromised due to the AFN’s incompetence.
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“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter my name,” Ofili said.
She continued, “I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what… to not be entered and compete at the Olympic Games because the responsible organization failed to enter me? Please remember, in the last Olympic Games I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC, and NOC failed to release funds for athletes in the USA to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified not compete. Now THIS… If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future!”
Favour Ofili now shifts her focus to the 200m event, where she hopes to make an impact and contend for a medal.
