By John Obi 

The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a disastrous outing for Team Nigeria. Despite lofty pre-tournament promises from Sports Minister John Owan Enoh and a 12-billion-naira intervention from President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the team failed to secure a single medal, mirroring Nigeria's worst Olympic performance in 2012.

Among the numerous scandals that plagued the team, the Favour Ofili saga stood out. Ofili, Nigeria's National 100-meter champion, was shockingly omitted from the 100-meter event by Nigerian officials. The question on everyone's mind: Why would a country sabotage its own athletes?

In response, the inexperienced sports minister, John Enoh, vowed that heads would roll. Yet, eight weeks later, there has been no meaningful action. Enoh's incompetence is glaringly evident in the committee he set up—populated more by his media friends than experts with the knowledge to handle such a crisis.

A credible source close to Team Nigeria shed light on the Favour Ofili saga:

"Ofili's issues with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the minister began in Cameroon when she refused to compete in the semi-finals due to the poor organization. Concerned about the risk of injury, she prioritized her future and declined to participate.

"Other top athletes like Marie Ta Lou from Côte d'Ivoire, Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, and several others also withdrew from the competition in Cameroon due to the unsafe conditions.

"Despite pleas, Ofili stood her ground, protecting her future. In retaliation, Team Nigeria officials blacklisted her, ensuring she was excluded from the 100-meter event in Paris, claiming it was to conserve her energy for the 4x100 meters. However, this decision was made without consulting her or her coach—a move many see as deliberate and vindictive."

The source continued, "This scandal created a toxic environment that affected the entire Team Nigeria. Ofili, known for speaking out, was unfairly targeted. The minister and his team are now too scared to admit their mistakes."

The shocking revelation? Ofili's name was never intended for the 100-meter race at the Olympics, long before the event in Paris. The Federation submitted a falsified list, punishing Ofili for her stance in Cameroon.

"They killed Team Nigeria," the source concluded. "The minister is too weak. He’s simply posturing, without any real intention to rectify the situation."