The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially released the report from the Investigative Committee examining Nigeria’s performance and controversies at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Chaired by Dr. Mumini Alao, the committee’s findings highlight serious lapses within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and other organizations that contributed to the omission of sprinter Favour Ofili from the women’s 100 meters event.
Mr. Shehu Dikko, the newly appointed chairman of the NSC, approved the publication of the report after a request from Dr. Alao.
The report, presented to the former Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, details conflicting evidence concerning the reasons for Ofili’s exclusion, pointing fingers at multiple organizations including the AFN, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Key among the findings is the negligence of AFN Secretary General, Mrs. Rita Mosindi, who failed to timely communicate critical information regarding Ofili’s registration status.
The report states, “Mrs. Mosindi should be PENALIZED by the appropriate authority” for her oversight.
Additionally, the committee criticized AFN Technical Director, Mr. Samuel Onikeku, for demonstrating poor judgment in not acting upon early warnings about Ofili’s registration.
The report asserts, “Mr. Onikeku should be SANCTIONED by the Board of AFN of which he is a member,” emphasizing that timely communication could have potentially saved Ofili’s opportunity to compete.
In recognition of the distress caused to Ofili, the AFN is recommended to pay her a symbolic compensation of N8 million (approximately $5,000) for the disappointment stemming from her omission.
The report also addresses broader systemic issues within Nigerian sports governance, advocating for the development of a comprehensive Code of Governance to enhance collaboration between the NOC and the Ministry of Sports Development.
Dr. Alao noted, “The Nigeria Olympic Committee should be more transparent in its relationship with the Ministry of Sports Development.”
Furthermore, the committee recommended that all sports federations implement specific Codes of Conduct for athletes and establish Anti-Doping Commissions to ensure adherence to best practices.
Critically, the report highlights the overarching problem of inadequate funding for sports in Nigeria, proposing a shift towards a private-sector-led funding model to address these financial gaps.
“The Ministry of Sports Development should adopt a more PRIVATE-SECTOR-LED CONCEPT proposed by the Investigative Committee,” the report stated.
This investigation has set a precedent for accountability within Nigerian sports, with calls for stricter governance and improved communication strategies to prevent future incidents.
