Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has advanced to the Women’s 200 Metre semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a season’s best time of 22.24 seconds. Ofili triumphed in Heat 6, outperforming Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith (22.28 seconds) and Gambia’s Gina Bass Bittaye (22.84 seconds).

Despite this achievement, Ofili faced disappointment after Nigerian officials failed to register her for the Women’s 100 Metres event, despite her qualification. Reigning World Champion Shericka Jackson withdrew from the 200 Metres due to a hamstring injury.

Ofili, a Louisiana State University alumna, delivered her best performance of the year, even as she expressed frustration over the administrative oversight. This was not her first encounter with such issues; she previously missed competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Nigerian officials failed to ensure US-based Nigerian athletes were tested in time.

St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred won the Women’s 100 Metre Final with a time of 10.72 seconds, ahead of Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson. Alfred also qualified for the 200 Metre semifinals with a heat time of 22.41 seconds, joining top contenders such as Gabby Thomas of the USA and Daryll Neita of Great Britain.