In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has not been entered to compete in the women’s 100m event at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
This comes despite the 21-year-old qualifying for the event as the Nigerian champion after winning the national title in Benin, with her name missing from the official entries for Team Nigeria.
Ofili, who has been a standout athlete this season, expressed her disappointment on X (formerly Twitter): “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games.”
According to her, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee are responsible for the shocking omission which has cost Nigeria a big chance at winning gold in Paris.
“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?” she stated on social media.
READ MORE: Favour Ofili Vents Frustration After Omission from 100m at Paris 2024 Olympics
Ofili recalled how similar administrative hiccup cost her and Nigeria before. “In the last Olympic Games I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC, and NOC failed to release funds for athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified unable to compete. Now THIS…”
She went on to state it will be hard to trust the sporting bodies if no one is held accountable. “If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future!” Ofili said.
The 21-year-old’s frustration is understandable having competed in 10 races over 100m this season, averaging an impressive time of 11.1 seconds. She made it clear she intended to compete in both the 100m and 200m events during interviews, and she achieved the Olympic Standard.
Despite her stellar performances and status as a national champion, the AFN and Nigeria Olympics Committee NOC have failed to enter her name for the event. Her hope now lies in being entered for the 200m race, stating, “Next one is the 200 meters, I HOPE I’M ENTERED.”
This oversight by the AFN and NOC not only robs Favour Ofili of her chance to shine on the world stage but also raises serious questions about the administrative competence of Nigeria’s athletic governing bodies.
As Ofili and her supporters await a resolution, the broader Nigerian athletic community is left to ponder why such a talented athlete has been denied her deserved opportunity.