The investigative panel tasked with examining Team Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics has recommended a symbolic compensation of N8 million for sprinter Favour Ofili, following an incident that prevented her from competing in the women’s 100m event despite her qualification.
The committee, set up by former Minister of Sports Development John Enoh, presented its findings in a 54-page report submitted to the ministry on October 22. The report was later authorized for public release by Shehu Dikko, the new Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Committee Chairman Mumini Alao highlighted in the report that Ofili’s omission was due to alleged administrative lapses by Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Secretary General Rita Mosindi and Technical Director Samuel Onikeku. “Our findings indicate that conflicting evidence and potential mismanagement by officials directly impacted Ms. Ofili’s ability to compete,” Alao stated.
In addition to compensation for Ofili, the committee advised a code of governance for the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the NSC, as well as sanctions against responsible AFN officials. The report also recommended better government funding and timely support for Nigerian athletes, emphasizing improved access to essential equipment, after cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye revealed she had to rely on a German team for a bicycle due to insufficient resources.
This investigation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to addressing administrative challenges and ensuring better preparedness for future international competitions.
