A shocking administrative error has denied Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili the chance to compete in the 100m event at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old was set to participate in three events but was omitted from the start list due to a registration mishap.
Ofili took to social media to express her frustration, stating, “I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?” She blamed the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for the failure, claiming neither organization can be trusted.
World Athletics confirmed Ofili was only entered in the 200m and 4x100m relay events. Nigerian officials and World Athletics have denied responsibility for the error. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the mistake.
READ MORE: Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda relieved after victory over Super Falcons
Nigeria’s Sports development minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, has vowed to deal with any official involved in depriving one of Team Nigeria’s medal prospects in women’s 100m, Favour Ofili, the opportunity of competing in the event she was qualified for at ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics Games.
“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,” the Minister said.
This is not the first time Ofili has faced disappointment at the Olympics. In Tokyo 2020, she missed out due to a technicality related to out-of-competition drug tests.
The incident may be a big blow to Nigeria who may likely miss the chance to compete in that category. South African swimmer Lara Van Niekerk faced a similar situation, missing out on the Olympics due to unregistered qualifying times.
Ofili will still compete in the 200m and 4x100m relay events. The investigation’s outcome may lead to changes in administrative procedures to prevent such errors in the future.
