Nigeria’s Favour Ofili has qualified for the semifinals of the women’s 200m event at the Paris Olympics, showcasing a strong performance in heat 6 with a winning time of 22.24 seconds on Sunday morning.
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Ofili triumphed over Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, who finished second in 22.28 seconds, and Gina Bass-Bittaye, who placed third in 22.84 seconds. Ofili’s time was the second fastest across all six heats.
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh stated that she deserved the win after the disappointment of undeservedly missing the 100m, for non-registration reasons.
Also today, Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie and Samuel Ogazi are set to compete in the men’s 400m event, while Favour Ashe and Kanyinsola Ajayi will run in the semifinals of the men’s 100m.
In other sports, the resilient D’Tigress will face Canada in basketball, and Ese Ukpeseraye will compete in women’s cycling.
In light of the recent issues surrounding the non-registration of Favour Ofili for the 100m event, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, is leading a thorough investigation.
He expressed concern and demanded answers: “At what point did her name drop out of the 100m race? Who is responsible for this? What is the motivation behind this? What is the trail of communication from AFN to NOC and IOC and/or World Athletics?”
The Minister emphasized the urgency of these questions being addressed immediately after the Olympics.
He urged Favour Ofili to remain focused and not allow the situation to distract her from her upcoming races, assuring her of his support and communication.
He also encouraged the rest of Team Nigeria, particularly the Athletics team, to stay motivated and strive for success in their respective events.
“Let them stay motivated to win,” Senator Enoh concluded, expressing his confidence in the athletes’ abilities and determination.
