Favour Ofili confirms her switch to Turkey, citing neglect by Nigerian sports authorities during Tokyo and Paris Olympics
Favour Ofili, the world record holder in the women’s 150m, has officially confirmed her switch of allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, citing repeated administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
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The 22-year-old speedster made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, revealing that emotional setbacks from the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics played a key role in her decision.
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years… while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me,” Ofili wrote.
Ofili was among the 10 Nigerian athletes banned from competing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to missed out-of-competition drug tests — an error attributed to Nigeria’s athletics officials.
Her frustrations continued at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where officials failed to properly register her for the women’s 100m event, effectively denying her a chance to compete.
“This change comes from the heart, not from financial motives,”
Ofili stated, brushing off speculation that her decision was influenced by money.
She expressed pride in her achievements for Nigeria, which include:
- 6 gold medals
- 2 silver medals
- 2 bronze medals
- A 200m Olympic final appearance
However, she noted that she would sit out the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, as required by international transfer rules, before she can officially compete for Turkey.
Ofili joins a growing list of elite Nigerian athletes who have switched nationalities over frustrations with sports governance, including:
- Francis Obikwelu (Portugal)
- Gloria Alozie (Spain)
- Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany)
- Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain)
- Femi Ogunode (Qatar)
The Turkish Athletics Federation has been actively recruiting foreign talent and reportedly offers as much as $500,000 to athletes willing to switch allegiance.
Despite the drama off the track, Favour Ofili has had a standout year:
She made her Diamond League debut
In May, she set a new world record in the 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, clocking 15.85s — smashing the previous 16.23s mark held by Olympic gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for all the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor Adidas, and my loved ones during this difficult time,” she said.
Also read: Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili criticizes athletics federation over Olympic omission
As she begins this new chapter representing Turkey, Favour Ofili’s story stands as a warning sign for Nigerian sports authorities and a powerful message about the cost of administrative negligence in global athletics.
Source: Read more at theheute.com.ng
