A Review of Nigeria’s Disappointing Experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics Investigates Lapses in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria
A Federal Government Committee has identified the culpable officials within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) whose oversights led to Favour Ofili’s exclusion from the women’s 100 meters event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The investigative panel was established in September by the then-Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, to investigate Nigeria’s underwhelming experience at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Nigeria’s performance at the Games was marked by its lack of medals and several controversies. Ofili’s exclusion from the 100 meters race, despite her qualification, was a major issue. Additionally, Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye had to borrow a track bike from the German team to participate in the Keirin cycling event, an embarrassing situation that raised questions about the country’s preparedness for the Olympics.
The committee, chaired by Mumini Alao, presented its findings and recommendations in a report on October 22. The document revealed that conflicting evidence pointed to the omission of Ofili’s name being traceable to one of the following organizations: the AFN, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), World Athletics (WA), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The report specifically criticized Rita Mosindi, the Secretary General of AFN, for negligence in her duty by failing to properly communicate Ofili’s event status to the Ministry of Sports Development and the NOC. It also noted that AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, displayed poor judgment by not promptly addressing the rumor of Ofili’s non-registration, which may have prevented the situation from escalating.
The report recommended penalties for the responsible officials and compensation for Ofili in the amount of N8 million for the “disappointment and distress” caused by her exclusion from the event. Furthermore, the report suggested that cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye issue a formal apology to the Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) for the “embarrassment” caused by her social media post about the borrowed bicycle.
The report was initially submitted to the Ministry of Sports on October 22, just before its dissolution by President Bola Tinubu and the reassignment of its responsibilities to the newly established National Sports Commission (NSC). Officially, Eno handed over the report to Shehu Dikko, the new chair of the NSC, on October 30.
