‘Ofili is fast becoming uncontrollable’ - AFN reacts to Nigeria athlete post Paris 2024
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AFN reacts to Nigeria athlete post Paris 2024 || X

‘Ofili is fast becoming uncontrollable’ - AFN reacts to Nigeria athlete post Paris 2024

Stephen Oladehinde 12:46 - 16.08.2024

AFN have reacted to Favour Ofili’s attitude following her disappointing campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

During the Paris 2024 Olympics in France, Ofili complained about the AFN omitting her name from the women's 100m event list.

The issue led to several comments on social media, leaving the AFN body responding to the heartbreaking omission.

Following the completion of the competition, the AFN have revealed more details about Ofili at the Olympics.

AFN revelation 

The AFN have complained about Ofili, insisting that they had to tolerate her behaviour during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The representative of the AFN told The Guardian, “Ofili is fast becoming an uncontrollable athlete for the AFN. There are certain things we have been trying to keep away from the public concerning Ofili. 

Favour Ofili during one of her races at Paris 2024 Olympic Games || X
Favour Ofili during one of her races at Paris 2024 Olympic Games || X

“At the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States in 2022, Ofili refused to stay with other Nigerian athletes in our camp that had bigger athletes like Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and others. She moved into a hotel with her coach. We tolerated her. 

“Ofili did not come to Nigeria for the AFN National Trials, where athletes were picked for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. We tolerated her. 

“Even at the championships in Budapest, Ofili refused to train with other Nigerian athletes to perfect their baton exchange. 

“She insisted on taking instruction only from her American coach. Our 4x100m relay team eventually lost the ticket to the final due to poor baton exchange between Ofili and Rosemary Chukwuma. We tolerated her. 

Ofili clocked 22.05 to qualify for the women's 200m final |Photo Credit: X
Ofili clocked 22.05 to qualify for the women's 200m final |Photo Credit: X

“In our National Trials ahead of the African Games in Ghana, Ofili refused to show up and she did not bother to come for the Games in Accra. We tolerated her. 

“The biggest disappointment Ofili gave to Nigeria was her refusal to compete in the semifinal of the 100m at the 23rd African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon, in July this year. 

“Our immediate reaction was to stop her and Rosemary Chukwuma, who also stayed away from her 100m semifinal event, from making the team to the Paris Olympics. 

“But the Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, invited them to his hotel, in Douala, for discussion even without our knowledge. It became difficult for the AFN to wield the big stick against them. 

Favour Ofili is demanding answers from Nigerian sports autorities || Imago
Favour Ofili is demanding answers from Nigerian sports autorities || Imago

“Nobody in the AFN is saying that Ofili should change her nationality to another country, but if she is desperate to go, no one can stop her. 

“What I want Nigerians to know is that Ofili’s ‘unruly’ behaviour is fast spreading to some other athletes, and if care is not taken, the AFN might lose control of the athletes, and that will be catastrophic for Nigeria. 

“As I said, we have other capable athletes, who can fill the space if Ofili decides to go. It is better we have a team with disciplined athletes, than to parade a squad laced with undisciplined athletes.

If Favour Ofili decides to leave Nigeria and join another country, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it has qualified athletes available to take her position.

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