Nigeria’s medal hopeful, Favour Ofili, has expressed her frustration in an open statement to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria after being excluded from the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The incompetence of Nigeria’s track and field authorities has once again crushed an athlete’s dreams, as Ofili, who earned her spot by winning the Nigerian 100m title at the Olympic trials in Benin, will not compete in the 100m event in Paris.
Instead, the AFN has only entered her for the 200m event.
The 21-year-old, who clocked a season’s best of 11.06 seconds at her national championships, was expected to join Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma in the women’s 100m for Nigeria when the track and field events begin on Friday.
Ofili has been one of the most consistent sprinters this season, winning numerous races against top global competitors, making her a strong contender for a medal.
However, her hopes are now dashed, leaving her to compete solely in the 200m event.
In a statement released on all her social media platforms, the National 200m Record holder voiced her disappointment, marking the second consecutive time her Olympic aspirations have been hindered by AFN’s mismanagement.
“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.
“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?
“Please remember, in the last Olympic Games I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC and NOC failed to release funds for athletes in the USA to be tested, which made 14 Nigeria 🇳🇬 athletes that qualified to not compete. Now THIS……..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,” the Louisiana State University athlete wrote.
Ofili now turns her focus entirely to the 200m, aiming to make an impact and contend for a medal.
