AFN may sanction Ofili, Chukwuma for snubbing 100m semifinal

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) may sanction sprinters, Favour Ofili, and Rosemary Chukwuma, who failed to show up for the women’s 100m semifinals at the on-going African Championships in Douala, Cameroon.
  
Over time, both athletes have allegedly given the AFN cause for concern with their ‘slack attitude’ towards competitions involving Nigeria.

At the 2024 National Championships held in Benin City, Edo State last week, Chukwuma pulled out of the women’s 200m, citing strained muscles.

“These two athletes are becoming something else, and it is time we let them know that they have to commit themselves to the national cause,” an official told The Guardian.

“Rosemary gave us a lot of problems at the World Championships in Budapest and it ultimately caused us a medal in the relay. It is about time the AFN whipped them in line.”

There was no reason given by the athletes for their Did Not Start (DNS) in the semifinal after featuring in the heats.

Another official hinted that the athletes’ refusal to compete in the 100m semifinal may not be unconnected with the organisers’ failure to put things in proper shape.

“For instance, there was no starter’s gun, and this led to Ivorian top sprinter Marie Jose Ta Lou Smith’s refusal to run in the semifinal. But Ofili and Chukwuma should have complained to AFN before arriving at their decision to pull out. I am sure they won’t go free because it is not the first time,” the official said.
  
The Guardian gathered, yesterday, that the AFN technical committee is looking into the circumstances surrounding Ofili and Chukwuma’s decision to shun the 100m.
 
A source said that the AFN has directed its secretary to query the two athletes, which they must reply within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister, John Enoh, has arrived in Douala to cheer the athletes to success. He came in the early hours of yesterday alongside a few aides.

Nigeria won two gold medals on the opening day of the Championships, and was hoping to increase the tally on Saturday through Favour Ofili, but she refused to show up in the semifinal. Team Nigeria settled for two bronze medals on Day Two of the event, including one from the 4x400m mixed relay.

Nigeria also cleared the three women’s discus medals yesterday.