Minister of Sports Development John Enoh has launched an investigation into the controversy surrounding sprinter Favour Ofili’s registration for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The minister’s intervention follows Ofili discovering her name missing from the 100m event list, despite qualifying for the competition.
In a statement, Enoh expressed his dismay at the situation and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
“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,” he said.
Enoh revealed that he had been in direct contact with Ofili, who reached out to express her concerns.
“Favour Ofili reached me directly, expressing her concern for her races. Immediately, I called Professor Ken Anugweje, the head of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee, to ensure that Ofili’s issues are thoroughly addressed,” he stated.
According to Enoh, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) insists that Ofili was properly registered.
He said, “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 the NOC (the only body from which the International Olympic Committee receives the final list of athletes) included Ofili for the 100m as well.”
As an immediate measure, Enoh has directed that “the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee must ensure that Favour Ofili is not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races for which she is qualified and registered to represent the country at the Paris Olympics.”
He added, “All parties must take their duties very seriously. The current operation of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development does not allow for incompetence at any level.”
