Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed deep concern and outrage over the exclusion of sprinter Favour Ofili from the Women’s 100m race at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Ofili voiced her displeasure on social media after being overlooked for the race, despite qualifying through the national trial.
Senator Enoh condemned her exclusion, describing it as “utter recklessness” and vowed thorough sanctions following an investigation.
Favour Ofili had qualified for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay but was not registered for the 100m, despite being the Nigerian champion.
“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,” Enoh stated.
“All parties must take their duties very seriously. The current way of operating the Federal Ministry of Sports Development does not allow for incompetence at any level.
“As an immediate measure, the Athletic 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. She is committed to proving her mettle,” The Minister asserted.
