Paris 2024: Investigative Committee Recommends N8m Compensation for Ofili, Indicts Officials

In a probe of Team Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, an investigative panel has recommended a symbolic compensation of N8 million (approximately $5,000) to athlete Favour Ofili. This decision comes after an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s controversial participation in the Games.

The committee, established by former Minister of Sports Development John Enoh, aimed to uncover the reasons behind Nigeria’s disappointing showing at the Olympics. The report, chaired by Mumini Alao, was officially submitted to Enoh on October 22, with the new Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, granting approval for its release.

Favour Ofili faced a scandal when she was denied the chance to compete in the women’s 100m event despite having qualified. The committee’s comprehensive 54-page report examined the conflicting evidence surrounding Ofili’s exclusion, highlighting potential oversights by officials from both the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

The report specifically calls for disciplinary action against AFN Secretary General Rita Mosindi and Technical Director Samuel Onikeku due to their involvement in Ofili’s omission. Additionally, the committee urged Ofili to enhance her conduct moving forward.

In addition to addressing Ofili’s situation, the committee proposed the establishment of a governance code for both the NOC and the Sports Ministry, now restructured as the National Sports Commission. Furthermore, it demanded an apology from cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, who faced public backlash after revealing she was bailed out by German officials due to lacking the appropriate bicycle for her event.

The committee concluded by advising the Federal Government to ensure more timely and adequate funding for athletes and to improve testing protocols for performance-enhancing drugs.