Ofili, Onwuzurike caught in payment delay as World Athletics monitors Grand Slam Track turmoil

Two of Nigeria’s brightest track stars, Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike, are among the athletes still awaiting full payment after competing in the inaugural Grand Slam Track series, a privately funded athletics competition spearheaded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson.

The four-meet series—held in Miami, Philadelphia, Kingston (Jamaica), and slated to end in Los Angeles—was abruptly halted after the LA leg was canceled due to low turnout.

Despite an announced $12.6 million prize pool, many participating athletes, including Ofili and Onwuzurike, are yet to receive appearance fees and prize money for their efforts.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe voiced concerns over the delayed payments, stating: ‘There is no point in pretending this is a satisfactory situation… athletes do need paying.’

His comments underscore the growing frustration among athletes, some of whom are owed sums reaching six figures.

Although Grand Slam Track declined comment, agents were reportedly told payments for Kingston would be processed this month, with others expected before the end of September.

Some competitors have received partial compensation from the opening leg in Miami.

The situation has drawn attention from World Athletics, who now closely monitor the outcome, particularly as the series was pitched as a rival to the Diamond League.

Coe reaffirmed support for innovation in the sport—but emphasized that new ventures must be sustainable and athlete-centric.