Nigeria's Favour Ofili expresses concern after authorities fail to enter her name in 100 meters at the Paris Olympics

By Animesh Pandey

Modified Jul 31, 2024 12:23 GMT

Favour Ofili of Nigeria received a rude shock days before the commencement of track and field events at the Paris Olympics. The Nigerian sprinter received the news she wouldn't be participating in the 100m event at Paris Olympics.

Favour Ofili had qualified for the Paris Olympics by achieving the direct entry standard of 11.07 seconds. She also qualified for women's 200m by winning her event at the Tom Jones Memorial Classic event held in April 2024. However, due to a miscommunication between the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Ofili's name was omitted from the records.

Favour Ofili expressed her anguish as she posted on her Instagram account:

"It is with great regret that I have just been told that I will not be competing in the 100 meters at the Olympic Games. I qualifed, but those with the AFN and the NOC failed to enter my name. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity...For what?" she wrote.

This is not the first time though that Favour Ofili was denied a place at the Olympics. Previously, when she was to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, the authorities delayed the clearances required. As per the post on her X account, Favour Ofili reported,

"Please remember, in the last Olympic Games I was not able to compete, because AFN, NADC & NOC failed to release funds for the athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigeria athletes that qualified to not compete. NOW THIS....." [via @FavOfili on X]

An anguished Ofili further added,

"If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future. Next one is the 200 meters. I HOPE IM ENTERED."

While AFN asserts that it attempted to have Ofili included, NOC has been silent over this issue. Interestingly, Nigerian Sports Minister, John Enoh has ordered AFN and NOC to sort out this issue as soon as possible and ensure that Favour Ofili participates in the 100m event.

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A look into Favour Ofili's performances before Paris Olympics

Favour Ofili of Nigeria in action at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham [Image Source: Getty]

Favour Ofili is a promising athlete from Nigeria, who has several titles to her credit. The 21-year-old sprinter has a personal best of 10.93 seconds in the 100m and 21.96 seconds in the 200m, which is also the Nigerian record. Favour Ofili represents the LSU Lady Tigers at the NCAA Championships as well.

Before making it to the Paris Olympics, Favour Ofili won three medals at the Junior World Championships held in Nairobi in 2021. Ofili won a gold medal in women's 4x400m relay, and 2 bronze medals in women's 200m and women's 4x100 m relay, respectively. Favour Ofili also won a silver medal in women's 200m at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games held in 2022.