By OLAWALE ALABI

Sports Development Minister John Enoh has asked both the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to immediately work on the emerging issue about Favour Ofili.

The Minister said on Wednesday in Paris that both bodies should ensure that Ofili was able to compete in the 100 mètres race of the ongoing Olympic Games.

“They should both ensure she was not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races which she is qualified for and registered to represent the country at the Paris Olympics.

“She is committed to proving her mettle,” he had directed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ofili had on Tuesday made it known she had discovered that she was not registered to compete in the 100m race even after qualifying.

The AFN had afterwards insisted that it did not fail to register Ofili, and it was surprised also at the turn of events.

But, Enoh in his reaction added that “as Minister of Sports, I will not tolerate this utter recklessness.

“It is highly inexcusable, and there will be thorough sanctions after investigations into where and from whom this gross negligence originated.

“All parties must take their duties very seriously. The current way of operating at the Federal Ministry of Sports Development does not allow for incompetence at any level.”

He explained that he had on Sunday visited and addressed Team Nigeria athletes at the Games Village in Paris.

“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.

“On 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.

“She reached me directly, expressing her concern for her races. Immediately, I called Prof. 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 First Vice-President of NOC, Solomon Ogba, and that the matter was being handled.

“Upon hearing Ofili’s distress this (Wednesday) morning, I reached out to the AFN and the Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stated categorically that Ofili was registered for the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay.

“The Secretary-General of AFN has also insisted that the final list forwarded by her to the NOC (the only body the International Olympic Committee receives the final list of athletes from) had Ofili listed for the 100m as well.

“I have been in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation,” he said.

NAN reports that Ofili has as a personal best been in the top eight at the World Championships, and a Commonwealth Games silver medalist.

She had also been an African Games champion, a former World Under-20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m. (NAN)

Update news