The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Thursday, 16 April, confirmed that sprinter Favour Ofili will continue to compete under the Nigerian flag after World Athletics rejected her request to switch allegiance to Turkey.
The AFN announced the decision in a press statement, noting that the ruling ended months of uncertainty over the 23‑year‑old’s international future.
The global athletics authority dismissed the application after reviewing 11 nationality‑change requests from Turkey, warning that such transfers could erode the integrity of the sport.
According to the AFN, the panel stressed that financially driven switches risk discouraging countries from nurturing homegrown talent.
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AFN President Tonobok Okowa welcomed the ruling and urged unity around the athlete: “What she needs most at this time is love, support, encouragement and more love.”
He added that Ofili’s return offers Nigeria a chance to rebuild trust with its athletes ahead of major competitions.
Ofili’s attempted switch followed frustrations with Nigeria’s athletics administration. She missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to anti‑doping compliance failures and later described her exclusion from the 100 metres at Paris 2024 as another administrative lapse, despite reaching the 200 metres final.
For Nigeria, the ruling provides relief in the face of rising athlete migration, while Ofili’s reaffirmed commitment strengthens the national team’s prospects on the global stage.
