Sports

Favour Ofili: Sports Minister Enoh Promises Sanctions For Error Preventing Nigerian Athlete From Competing in 100 Metres

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, has expressed deep dissatisfaction following the recent revelation that Nigerian athlete Favour Ofili was not registered for the women’s 100m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Enoh emphasised his commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring accountability within the sports administration.

Enoh made it known that when he heard of Ofili’s distress, he reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). He said, “Upon hearing Ofili’s distress this morning, I reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stated categorically that Favour Ofili was registered for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. 

“The Secretary General of AFN has also insisted that the final list forwarded by her to NOC (the only body the International Olympic Committee receives the final list of athletes from), had Ofili listed for the 100m as well. I am in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation.”

Enoh made it clear that as Minister of Sports, he will not tolerate “this utter recklessness.” 

He stated, “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.”

In an immediate response, Enoh mandated that the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee ensure Ofili is not deprived of her opportunity to compete in the events for which she is qualified and registered to represent the country at the Paris Olympics. “She is committed to proving her mettle,” he affirmed.

In the tweet, the minister also noted that he has always maintained an open line of communication with Team Nigeria athletes, adding that he had visited them on July 29, 2024 in Paris, and that he had been of help to Ofili in the past when she reached out to him about her concerns regarding her races.

“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.”

He underscored Ofili’s impressive track record, noting her achievements as a top-eight finisher at the World Championships, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m.

Favour Ofili had earlier posted on the social media platform X, that she won’t be competing in the 100m at the 2024 Olympics because of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria failure to enter her name despite qualifying.
The statement read “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 me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

Ofili expressed her frustration over missing the last Olympic Games due to the AFN, NADC, and NOC’s failure to release funds for athlete testing, resulting in 14 qualified Nigerian athletes being unable to compete. She now faces a similar situation and insists, “If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organisation can EVER be trusted in the future!”

However, She still hopes to compete in the 200m, if her name is registered.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

Melissa Enoch

View Comments

  • O8O__6739__9O9O

    O8O__6739__9O9O

    O8O 6739 9O9O
    Royal umbrella=15,500
    Mama Gold=15,500
    Royal stallion=15,500
    Rising sun=15,500
    Special rice=15,500
    Mama Africa=15,500
    Elephant Gold=15,500
    Caprice =15,500

    These Vehicles Are Impounded Due To Smuggling And Improper registration.
    *These Vehicles Are Direct Belgium Has Never Been Used In Nigeria.
    NOTE: TRANSPORTATION CHARGES IS (#2000)

    Toyota Sienna=1.2million
    Toyota Picnic=#650,000
    Toyota Camry Muscle=850,000
    Toyota Spider=1.2million
    • Toyota Land Cruiser-N8.5 million
    • Toyota Prado N6 million
    • Toyota Corolla –N650,000
    • Toyota Camry –N450,000-N1M
    • Toyota Avensis – N950,000-N1M
    • Toyota Yaris – N800,000
    • Toyota Venza – N2.2 million
    • Toyota RAV4 SUV –N950,000
    • Toyota Hilus Pickup-N950,000
    • Toyota Dyna Truck – N1.3million
    • Toyota Hiace Bus – N1.5 million
    * Toyota Highlander-N1.2 million
    *Toyota Big daddy-N850,000
    Honda Civic cars – N850,000
    Honda Accord – N950,000
    Honda CR-V –N980,000
    Honda CR-V –950,000
    Honda Pilot – N900,000
    *Prices of some Volswagen cars:
    golf 1 = 250,000
    Golf 2,-N350,000
    golf 3 -400,000
    golf 5 -N500,000
    Jetta-N350,000
    Passat-N450,000.
    Lexus RX300-N950,000
    Lexus RX330-N1.2 mill
    Lexus RX350-N1.5 mill
    Lexus GX460-N3.2 mill
    Lexus GX470-N4.5 mill
    Toyota Sienna = 1.5 million
    WE DELIVER TO 36 STATES
    YOU CAN CALL THE MARKETING OFFICER FOR MORE INFORMATION ( Omar ) OR YOU ADD ME UP ON WHATSAPP
    O8O__6739__9O9O:�:�:�

Recent Posts

President Tinubu Orders Probe Into Prosecution Of Minors From #EndBadGovernance Protests

President Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the arrest, prosecution of minors involved in #EndBadGovernance…

8 hours ago

Musk’s Lawyer Defends $1M-a-Day Giveaway, Denies Illegal Lottery Claims

Musk's $1M giveaway is under legal scrutiny in a Pennsylvania court case as it targets…

9 hours ago

Badenoch Unveils Shadow Cabinet with Jenrick As Shadow Justice Secretary, Patel As Shadow Foreign Secretary

Kemi Badenoch has appointed former rivals Jenrick, Patel, and Stride to senior roles in her…

9 hours ago

Boeing Workers Vote On New Contract To End Seven-Week Strike

Boeing workers voted Monday on a new contract to end a seven-week strike

9 hours ago

Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Arrested By EFCC For Alleged N1.3 Trillion Diversion

EFCC has arrested ex-Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa for alleged misuse of oil derivation funds, diverting…

9 hours ago

Search for Missing Persons Continues After Deadly Valencia Floods

Barcelona faces severe flooding as search and rescue efforts continue.

11 hours ago