The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has stated that it has capable athletes to fill the vacuum should US-based sprinter Favour Ofili decides to switch allegiance to another country.

This assertion comes in the wake of a controversy that has cast a shadow over the nation’s athletics administration.

During the recently concluded Olympics in Paris, Favour Ofili qualified for the 100m race and was set to participate.

However, a shocking oversight occurred when it was discovered that her name had not been submitted for the event.

Expressing her frustration, Ofili has been vocal about her disappointment and holding the federation responsible for this blunder.

Nigeria’s Favour Ofili.(Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

“Sadly, nothing has been done…. I’m yet to see or hear anyone is being punished for what the NOC and AFN did to me.

“Athletes shouldn’t be getting punished for things out of their control,” she lamented.

While the AFN insists on its innocence, claiming that Ofili was duly registered for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relays, the sprinter remains unconvinced, placing some of the blame on the organization.

In response to the unfolding drama, an AFN representative told The Guardian that, the federation would not stand in Ofili’s way if she chooses to carry out her purported plan of switching allegiance as it has been rumored.

He said, “If truly Ofili is considering switching her allegiance from Nigeria to another country, it might be difficult for the AFN to prevent her.”

The representative further explained the technicalities involved, noting that, “World Athletics’ rules state that for an athlete to be eligible to compete for another country, he/she must stay away from any athletics competition for a period of three years. 

It means Ofili will not compete in any athletics event between now and late 2027.”

However, the AFN also expressed concerns about Ofili’s conduct, describing her as “fast becoming an uncontrollable athlete.” 

Nigerian Sprinter, Favour Ofili. Photo | Bell Naija

They cited several incidents, including her refusal to stay with the Nigerian camp during the World Athletics Championships in Oregon in 2022, and her absence from the National Trials ahead of the African Games in Ghana.

The federation’s grievances culminated in Her decision to skip the semi-final of the 100m at the 23rd African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon, in July this year.

“We tolerated her,” the AFN remarked, implying that her recent omission from the Olympics could be seen as a response to her perceived lack of discipline.

Was It a Deliberate Omission?

The omission of Ofili’s name from the Olympic roster has led to speculation among Nigerians, with some wondering if this was a deliberate act by the AFN.

Could her omission have been a form of retaliation for her past actions?

While the AFN cites her behavior as “no longer acceptable and uncontrollable,” questions arise about the timing of these allegations.

Why are these issues being brought to light now, only after her name was excluded from the Olympics?

Ofili’s demand for accountability is understandable. She has every right to question how her name went missing from the list, and to call for someone to be held responsible.

However, instead of a transparent investigation and holding the culprits accountable, the narrative has shifted towards her attitude, which had previously gone unmentioned.

Favour Ofili. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

This raises an unsettling question: Is the AFN implying that her omission was a way to settle these grievances?

Such a scenario would only deepen concerns about the integrity of the sports ecosystem in Nigeria.

A Call for Accountability and Fair Play

As this controversy unfolds, it highlights the need for accountability and fair play within Nigeria’s athletics administration. 

Tonobok Okowa, AFN President (C). Photo | thegleamer

Athletes like Favour Ofili, who represent the nation on the global stage and give their all, deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. 

This recent Olympics where Nigeria failed to win any medals serves as a stark reminder of the challenges within the system. 

Notably, five Nigerians won medals representing other nations, including Annette Echikunwoke, who claimed silver for the USA.

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke of Team United States. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

This echoes the experiences of Nneka, who represented Nigeria in Tokyo 2020 but missed out on competing because the AFN did not set up testing for athletes on time.

These incidents stress the struggles Nigerian athletes face due to the AFN’s complacency.

The question now is, do we simply let them go without addressing the root causes? Or do we take responsibility and create an environment where our athletes can thrive?

The AFN must address these concerns head-on, not only to clear the air regarding Ofili’s situation but also to restore confidence among athletes and fans alike. 

An open and honest dialogue is crucial to ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves and that athletes can focus on what they do best competing and making their country proud.