Ofili’s omission from 100m inexcusable – Sports Minister

Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Enoh has said Favour Ofili’s exclusion from the women’s 100 metres at the Paris Olympic games is inexcusable which must attract sanctions.

In a post on her X handle on Tuesday, Ofili expressed disappointment over the omission of her name from the 100m event.

She blamed the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) for the oversight.

Commenting on the issue, Enoh said the athletics body in the country must ensure Ofili is not denied the chance to compete in the races for which she is qualified and registered.

“On July 28, 2024, as Minister of Sports Development, I visited and addressed Team Nigeria athletes at the Games Village in Paris,” Enoh wrote on X. “It was a no holds barred session.

Thereafter, I had my usual personal interaction with the athletes to allow them to express their concerns directly to me, which has been my tradition as Minister of Sports. In addition,i have continued to encourage athletes to reach me directly on any concerns.

“In hindsight, when Ofili had issues at the African Championships in Douala, I reached out to get her side of the story, and this time, it hasn’t been different. Favour Ofili reached me directly, expressing her concern for her races.Immediately I called Professor Ken Anugweje, the lead of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee, to ensure that Ofili’s issues are thoroughly addressed. He got back to me shortly after to say he was in touch with the 1st Vice President of NOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, and that the matter was being handled.

“Upon hearing Ofili’s distress this morning, I reached out to the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stated categorically that Favour Ofili was