Nigeria’s National Sports Commission moves to stop Favour Ofili from representing Turkey at LA 2028, seeking to extend her eligibility waiting period
Nigeria’s National Sports Commission has begun moves to block sprinter Favour Ofili from representing Turkey at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Also read: Lawmakers raise 2026 allocation for sports institute to N60bn
A senior official of the Commission disclosed that Ofili was among elite athletes who received training grants in 2025 under a federal support programme.
On that basis, the Commission is seeking to extend her eligibility waiting period beyond the standard three years required for athletes switching national allegiance.
Under existing international transfer rules, athletes must typically observe a three-year waiting period from their last competitive appearance for their former country before representing another nation.
However, Nigerian authorities are now requesting that Ofili’s waiting period run until September 2028, after the conclusion of the Los Angeles Games.
The move signals a firm stance by the Commission, which argues that public investment in athlete development must be protected.
Also read: PICTORIAL: 2026 Argungu fishing festival celebrates culture, sport
The development could trigger a decisive legal and administrative process involving global athletics governing bodies in the months ahead.
