By Olaitan Ibrahim
An investigative panel has recommended paying Favour Ofili, a Nigerian athlete, N8 million ($5,000) as symbolic compensation for being unfairly denied the chance to compete in the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite qualifying.
The panel was set up by then Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, to address Team Nigeria’s negative exposure at the Olympics. The committee’s 54-page report highlighted lapses by Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Nigeria Olympic Committee officials.
The report advises sanctions against officials responsible and calls for improved funding and anti-doping measures. It also demands an apology from cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye for causing public outrage.
The Federal Government’s N12 billion investment in the Olympics yielded no medals, sparking widespread criticism.
The panel’s recommendations aim to address Team Nigeria’s disappointing performance and prevent similar incidents. Implementing these changes will help improve Nigeria’s sports governance. For more information on this story, you can try searching online.