Explainer: Favour Ofili’s Name Omitted From Olympics 100M Race

Decorated African champion and Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has taken to social media to express her disappointment at not being included in the 100 meters race for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite having qualified. This is due to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) failing  to register her for the event.

Ofili earned her spot by winning the national title at the Nigeria Olympic trials in April, clocking an impressive 11.06 seconds, which surpassed the Olympic qualifying standard of 11.10 seconds. Her exclusion has sparked significant controversy and criticism towards the Ministry of Sports, AFN, and NOC, as Ofili highlighted in a social media post feeling that her years of hard work had been wasted due to administrative oversight. She also emphasized the need for more reliable and trustworthy management within these organizations

This incident is reminiscent of past issues faced by Nigerian athletes, such as in 2021 when ten track and field athletes, including Ofili, were disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics due to non-compliance with out-of-competition testing requirements. These recurring administrative lapses continue to undermine Nigeria’s sporting potential on the global stage.

What does this mean for Nigeria in the Women’s 100m at the Olympics? 

With Favour Ofili excluded from the 100 meters race at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Nigeria will have no representation in this event, eliminating any medal prospects for the country in the women’s 100 meters. This absence is particularly significant given that Shericka Jackson, the two-time 200-meter champion from Jamaica, has also withdrawn from the 100-meter race. This would have provided a favorable competitive field for Ofili, who had dedicated herself to qualifying, running approximately ten races to secure her spot in the Olympics. Her absence is a missed opportunity for both her and Nigeria to showcase talent and potentially achieve success in this prestigious event.

Is Ofili’s Relationship With The AFN Strained?

Moreover, just weeks before the Paris Olympics, at the African Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon, Nigerian athletes, including Ofili, experienced poor treatment due to inadequate preparations by the Cameroonian committee. Issues such as a lack of transportation from hotels to the race tracks led Ofili to withdraw from the 100-meter race in protest. Reports suggested that the AFN considered sanctioning her for this action, further straining their relationship.

Nigerians React

Several reactions on social media have trailed the exclusion of Favour Ofili ffom the 100m races.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, firmly stated that Favor Ofili’s omission from the list was entirely unjustified.

A user Chief Suo said “How about we name & shame the fellow who tried to deprive the world & FAVOUR Ofili her hard-earned chance for Olympic glory on the speedster track? Call out the culprit out publicly, and sanction them heavily. That’s the first step to restoring public faith in your office Sire.”

Ayodele Henry on X said ” Earlier this season Favour Ofili made it known during the Atlanta City Games on her pursuit of running the 100m & 200m. But why will AFN sabotage her dreams where she got a chance to enter an Olympic final since 2012 when we made it last?”