Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has confirmed investigation is still on to uncover the circumstances behind Favour Ofili’s exclusion from the Women’s 100m event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and hold the perpetrators accountable.

What Happened to Favour Ofili?

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Favour Ofili, one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes for a medal in the 100m sprint, experienced a devastating blow. After qualifying for both the 100m and 200m events, expectations were high.

However, to the dismay of many, Ofili’s name was missing from the 100m race list.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ofili expressed her heartbreak and frustration over the situation, calling for accountability from the authorities responsible.

“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter my name.” Ofili wrote in disbelief.

“I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what… to not be entered and compete at the Olympic Games because the responsible organization failed to enter me?”

“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 I’M ENTERED.”

This was a national embarrassment with many questioning, “How could this happen?

The Silence That Followed

When news of Ofili’s omission broke, Minister John Enoh promised swift action, assuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that those responsible would be held accountable.

However, since the conclusion of the Olympics, there has been an unsettling silence with nothing being done.

The Minister Breaks His Silence

Appearing on Arise TV’s *Morning Show* last Wednesday, Senator Enoh addressed the delays in resolving Ofili’s case. According to him, Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games in France had taken priority.

“When Favour Ofili issue came out, I engaged many people that are involved and whoever was responsible for that kind of embarrassment would not go free.

“The fact that nothing has happened yet is because we are still engaging in international competition , the Paralympics Games ended on Sunday and we just got back.

“Immediately, we are having a meeting at the Ministry and at the end, Nigerians are going to know much about the culprits.”

He also clarified the chain of responsibility, stating that, “The ministry is not responsible for submission of list to International Olympic Committee (IOC), it’s the Nigeria Olympics Committee that deals with different federations.”

What’s Next for Ofili?

For being denied the chance to compete after years of hard work and dedication was a crushing blow. As time passes without clear accountability, there are growing concerns that the lack of action could not only discourage her but also send a discouraging message to other Nigerian athletes.

Poor organizational structure might continue to undermine the dreams of those working to represent the nation on the world stage.

Nigerians now wait in anticipation, hoping that this embarrassing oversight will not be swept under the rug and that justice for Ofili will be served.