Paris 2024: Probe Committee Recommends $5,000 Compensation for Ofili, Sanctions for Officials

In the aftermath of Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games, an investigative panel has been tasked with unraveling the scandalous incidents that marred the country’s participation. The committee, set up by the immediate past Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has now submitted its findings, shedding light on the series of failures that led to Nigeria’s negative exposure on the global stage.

Denied Opportunity for Favoured Athlete

At the heart of the panel’s report is the case of Favour Ofili, a Nigerian athlete who was denied the opportunity to compete in the women’s 100m event despite having qualified for the prestigious competition. The committee’s 54-page document highlighted the conflicting evidence surrounding Ofili’s omission, pointing to potential lapses by officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Symbolic Compensation Recommended

As a means of acknowledging the injustice faced by Ofili, the investigative panel has recommended the payment of a N8 million ($5,000) symbolic compensation to the athlete. This gesture is intended to serve as a tangible acknowledgment of the wrongdoing and the panel’s recognition of the negative impact it had on Ofili’s performance and career aspirations.

Sanctions for Responsible Officials

The committee’s report has also called for sanctions to be imposed on key officials who were directly involved in Ofili’s omission from the 100m event. The AFN Secretary-General, Rita Mosindi, and Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, have been identified as individuals who should face consequences for their roles in the debacle.

Cyclist’s Embarrassing Revelation and Apology Demanded

The committee’s report also addressed the case of cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, whose public outrage-inducing revelation further tarnished Nigeria’s image at the Olympics. Ukpeseraye had disclosed that she was bailed out by the Germans in one of her events, as she did not have the appropriate bicycle to participate.

In response to this embarrassing incident, the investigative panel has demanded an apology from Ukpeseraye, recognizing the need to address the damage caused to Nigeria’s reputation and the public’s trust in the country’s sports administration.

Calls for Improved Funding and Governance

The investigative panel’s recommendations extend beyond individual cases, as it has also called for broader reforms within the Nigerian sports ecosystem. The committee has advised the federal government to provide better and more timely funding for athletes, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to prepare and perform at the highest levels.

Furthermore, the panel has recommended the implementation of a code of governance for both the NOC and the newly established National Sports Commission (NSC). This proposal aims to establish clear guidelines and accountability measures to prevent the recurrence of such scandals and promote transparency in the management of Nigeria’s sports affairs.