Ofili-gate: Minister Vows to Deal with Culpable AFN, NOC Officials

Minister of sports and Youths Department, Sen John Owan Enoh, has vowed to deal with any official of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria and Nigerian Olympic Committee, NOC, found negligent in the failure to register one of the country's star athletes in the sprint event of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.

He made the vow while reacting to the development in a statement on his official X account @OwanEnoh.

"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 the Federal Ministry of Sports Development does not allow for incompetence at any level."

The minister disclosed that upon being briefed of the anomaly, he personally visited the Paris Games Village where, in addition to a general discussion with the athletes, he also had personal interactions with individual athlete to allow them express their concerns.

According to him, Ofili gave hint of her concerns about her races, following which he got in touch with the head of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee, Professor Ken Anugweje, with instructions to address the concerns.

Prof Anugweje, he added, responded shortly afterwards, informing him that he was in touch with the 1st Vice President of NOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, assuring that the said concerns were being handled.

"On July 28, 2024, as Minister of Sports Development, I 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.

"In 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. Favour Ofili reached me directly, expressing her concern for her races.Immediately I called Professor 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 1st Vice President of NOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, and that the matter was being handled."

Not entirely satisfy with the assurances given by Prof Anugwele, the minister said he got in touch with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, AFN, whose Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, categorically assured that Ofili was duly registered for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay, an assurance the Secretary General of AFN also confirmed. 

"The Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, stated categorically that Favour 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 NOC (the only body the International Olympic Committee receives the final list of athletes from), had Ofili listed for the 100m as well. I am in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation."

The minister, who assured that the AFN and NOC have been directed to ensure that the athlete is not deprived of the opportunity to represent the country at the global event, being committed to proving her mettle, pointed out that he is waiting for an explanation from the president of the NOC.

"I am in touch with the President of the NOC on this and await his explanation," he assured.