Sprinter cites “biggest disappointments” with Nigerian athletics authorities as reason for nationality switch

 Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili has announced her switch of nationality from Nigeria to Turkey, citing prolonged frustration and disappointment with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) over their handling of her Olympic participation.

 

The 22-year-old made the revelation via a statement posted on Instagram, expressing both her pride in representing Nigeria and her heartbreak over how she was treated during two Olympic cycles — Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

 

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way — winning six gold medals, two silver medals, two bronze medals at championships, and being a 200m Olympic finalist,” Ofili wrote.

 

“But after the biggest disappointments with the AFN and NOC during two Olympic Games (Tokyo & Paris), I’ve made this decision. While it means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not financial motives.”

Ofili’s decision comes after repeated administrative failures by Nigerian athletics officials. In Tokyo 2020, she was one of several Nigerian athletes disqualified due to non-compliance with drug testing protocols, which the AFN allegedly failed to communicate in time. In Paris 2024, she was again sidelined — this time due to an administrative error by the federation that reportedly affected her eligibility for the 100m event.

 

Despite widespread public outcry and media coverage of these failures, no official has been sanctioned or removed from office. When asked by a fan on social media if any action had been taken against those responsible, Ofili bluntly responded:

 

“They are all still in office. They said I was paid a compensation fee. This is to clarify I got nothing from anyone at all — not even an apology.”

With this move, Ofili joins a growing list of elite Nigerian athletes who have switched allegiances due to lack of support, poor administration, or better opportunities abroad. Turkey, which has been actively recruiting top international talent, is said to be offering substantial financial and career incentives to athletes willing to naturalize.

 

However, under World Athletics eligibility rules, Ofili will be ineligible to compete for Turkey until 2027, effectively putting her international career on hold for the next two years.

 

🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Loss, Turkey’s Gain

 

Favour Ofili, widely regarded as one of Africa’s brightest young sprinting talents, has been a standout performer in global track events. She holds several national records and is a former NCAA champion, representing Louisiana State University (LSU) in the United States.

 

Her departure is a major blow to Nigerian athletics, already grappling with controversies, underfunding, and talent drain.

 

The AFN and NOC have yet to issue any official response to Ofili’s announcement.