Paris Olympics: Federal Government panel identifies officials responsible for Ofili's non-registration

 

Despite meeting qualification standards, Favour Ofili’s name was missing from the women’s 100 meters start list at the Paris Olympics. 

A federal government investigative panel, formed by former Minister of Sports Development John Enoh in September, has identified Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) officials whose actions led to this oversight. The committee’s purpose was to examine Nigeria’s negative experiences at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, where Team Nigeria ended the games without any medals and faced multiple controversies.

Ofili’s exclusion from the 100 meters event, despite qualifying, was a key issue. Another controversy involved cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, who revealed that she borrowed a track bike from the German team to compete in the Keirin cycling event.

On Monday, the committee’s chairman, Mumini Alao, shared findings with the media, indicating that the omission of Ofili’s name could be attributed to the AFN, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), World Athletics (WA), or the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The report specifically cited AFN Secretary General Rita Mosindi for failing to provide timely communication about Ofili’s event status. Technical Director Samuel Onikeku was also criticized for "poor judgment" in not acting on early indications about Ofili’s non-registration.

The committee recommended that both officials face appropriate disciplinary action. They also proposed that AFN compensate Ofili with N8 million for the distress caused by the oversight.

Additionally, the report suggested that Ese Ukpeseraye submit a formal apology to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) for publicly disclosing her need to borrow a bike.

The findings were submitted to the Ministry of Sports on October 22, just before the ministry was dissolved, with its duties transferred to the newly revived National Sports Commission (NSC). Enoh then passed the report to Shehu Dikko, the new NSC chair, on October 30.