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Nigeria’s Favour Ofili will not compete in the women’s 100 metres at the Paris Games after the country’s athletics federation and Olympic organising committee failed to enter her in the event, the sprinter said.
Ofili was registered for the women’s 200 and the 4×100 relay on Wednesday but the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist said in a social media post late on Tuesday that she was not signed up for the shorter individual sprint.
“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 metres at this Olympic Games,” the 21-year-old wrote on social media platform X.
“I qualified but those with the AFN (Athletics Federation of Nigeria) and NOC (National Olympic Committee) failed to enter me. I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?”
Ofili’s top 100 time this season of 11.06 seconds is 45th fastest in the world. The 21-year-old’s 200 time of 22.33 ranks her 20th in the world.
“The NOC failed to enter her in the 100 metres for the Olympic Games,” her coach and Louisiana State University coach Dennis Shaver told Reuters. “She was qualified and prepared to compete. It is really that simple. Unfortunately, World Athletics has denied her late entry.”
Neither the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) nor the Nigeria Olympic Committee immediately responded to requests for comment.
“If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future!” Ofili posted on Instagram.
“Next one is the 200 metres. I HOPE I’M ENTERED.” – Reuters
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter