AFN President Sacks Key Official Over Favour Ofili’s Paris Olympics Controversy

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken decisive action after the mishandling of athlete Favour Ofili’s participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics. AFN President Tonobok Okowa announced the dismissal of Samuel Onikeku, the Technical Director and head of the federation’s technical sub-committee.

Onikeku was one of two AFN officials implicated in an investigation led by a ministerial committee set up by former Sports Development Minister, John Owan Enoh. The committee was tasked with examining Nigeria’s issues at the Olympics, including Ofili’s omission from the 100m event.

Although Okowa announced the dissolution of all AFN sub-committees during a board meeting on Saturday without stating reasons, sources suggested the decision was tied to Onikeku’s indictment. The blanket dissolution may have been intended to ease his exit.

The committee criticised Onikeku for failing to report rumours about Ofili’s non-registration, calling it “poor judgment.” Despite his role as a senior customs officer, Onikeku claimed he avoided reporting the issue to avoid conflict.

Rita Mosindi, the AFN’s Secretary-General, was also found negligent. The committee noted her inability to provide evidence of submitting crucial registration documents for Ofili and criticised her reliance on informal communication channels like WhatsApp.

In earlier reports, an AFN audit committee had highlighted Mosindi’s lack of competence as an administrator and recommended her redeployment.

These developments have raised questions about accountability within the AFN, as Favour Ofili and others seek justice for the administrative lapses that marred their Olympic dreams.