Nigeria’s medal hopeful Favour Ofili has voiced her anger and frustration at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) after being omitted from competing in the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite winning the Nigerian 100m title at the Olympic trials in Benin and qualifying for the event, Ofili has only been entered in the 200m event by the AFN.
The National 200m record holder has been one of the most consistent sprinters this season, winning most of her professional races against some of the world’s best female sprinters. Her impressive performances made her a top candidate to reach the finals and be a strong medal contender for Nigeria.
Ofili, a rising star in the world of sprinting, has enjoyed a stellar season, consistently outperforming top-tier competitors. Her exclusion from the 100m is a significant blow to Nigeria’s medal hopes.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the visibly upset athlete condemned the AFN for its repeated failure to support her Olympic dreams. This marks the second time the federation’s negligence has prevented her from competing on the biggest stage.
“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?” Ofili wrote.
She also referenced her previous experience at the last Olympic Games, where she was unable to compete because the AFN, NADC, and NOC failed to release funds for athletes in the USA to be tested, resulting in 14 Nigerian athletes being disqualified.
“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.”
With her 100m Olympic dream shattered, Ofili now turns her attention to the 200m, where she aims to make a significant impact and challenge for a medal. However, the shadow of this latest setback will undoubtedly linger.
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