By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has demanded a thorough investigation into what led to the omission of Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ofili, from the Women’s 100m event at the Paris Olympics.
SWAN in a statement, Thursday, wondered why similar occurrences in the past which robbed talented Nigerians opportunities to excel and make the country proud were swept under the carpet.
According to a statement issued by the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin said, “Nigeria should not always appear as though is a country with no reputation among the comity of Nations due to administrative ineptitude of few individuals.
“Favour Ofili who is a subject of what appeared as an administrative negligence again, had suffered a crucial absence in the 2020 Olympics. For how long should we continue to allow these things continue.
“Another case in point which have been trending all over the media in the past few days, is about another athlete who goes by name Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, a Hammer Throw star, who switched back her allegiance to the United States after she missed 2020 Olympics despite qualifying to represent Nigeria.”
“For how long are we going to continue without putting necessary administrative and technical/tactical mechanisms in place that will stand Nigeria and Nigerians out internationally?” the SWAN President asked.
SWAN also called for immediate action that will ensure that the outcome of any inquiry as assured by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, especially as it concerns Ofili, be made public to forestall future occurrences. READ ALSO:
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The Professional Association also called on the Federal Government to give Sports, which is now a big business globally, deserved attention that will trigger the needed investment, genuine discovery and nurturing of talents to stardom.
