- Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has lamented being unable to compete in the 100 metres in Paris due to an administrative blunder
- The athlete took to Instagram to lament the failure of the responsible organisation to register her
- This led to an outrage on social media as many blamed Nigeria's sports authorities
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has announced that she will not compete in the 100 metres at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a bureaucratic error.
Despite qualifying for the event, the athlete revealed via her Instagram page on Thursday evening, July 30, that officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) failed to enter her name, denying her the chance to compete on the world stage.
In her words, “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. 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?
The sprinter, who has been training tirelessly for the past four years, further expressed her frustration and disappointment, “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 Nigeria 🇳🇬 athletes that qualified to 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!” she asserted, calling for accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s sports governing bodies.
Ofili hopes error will be rectified in 200 metres
As Ofili prepares for the 200 metres event with heats on August 5, semifinals on August 7, and the final on August 9, the sprinter remains hopeful that this time, her entry will be correctly processed. "Next one is the 200 meters. I HOPE I'M ENTERED," she expressed.
The incident has sparked outrage and disappointment among fans and fellow athletes, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the administrative failings that have marred the careers of Nigeria's top athletes. As of the time this report was filed, the AFN and NOC have yet to issue a public response.
On a personal note, Favour Ofili has had an impressive 2024 athletics season, achieving notable times in her events. Her season-best performance in the 100 meters is 11.06 seconds, achieved at the Nigerian Olympic Trials. This time secured her qualification for the Paris Olympics and marked her as Nigeria's fastest woman in the event this season.
Paris Olympics 2024: Nigeria's female basketball team stuns Australia in historic win
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria's female basketball team secured a historic victory against Australia, with a score of 75-62, in what was a thrilling match at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.
The victory marked a much-needed uplift for Nigeria after unimpressive performances in other sports, such as women’s football, table tennis and boxing.
The Nigerian team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, overcoming the highly favoured Australian side. The victory was underpinned by standout performances, especially from Ezinne Kalu, who scored 19 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
