Sprint sensation Favour Ofili has officially switched her sporting allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, citing administrative failures.
According to reliable sources, Ofili formally informed the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of her decision on May 31, 2025. While athlete nationality switches are often motivated by financial incentives or better training opportunities, Ofili reportedly insisted that money played no role in her shocking move.
Rather, the sprinter cited deep frustration with the persistent administrative shortcomings of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) as her primary reason.
Recall that during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Favour Ofili was denied the opportunity to compete in the 100 metres.
That made it the second straight Olympic Games Ofili failed to appear in the 100m. She had missed the chance to do so at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan because the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC), the AFN, and the NOC failed to release funds for athlete testing.
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For the Paris Games, she stated she qualified but the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) failed to enter her name in the list submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Her decision comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s ability to retain its best sporting talents. For years, whispers of mismanagement, late payments, and poor logistical support have characterised the AFN.
Ofili’s transfer to Turkey serves as the latest – and arguably most high-profile – indictment of the federation’s handling of elite athletes.
Notably, Ofili’s departure is particularly painful given her incredible achievements this season. Just weeks ago, she etched her name into athletics history by breaking the 16-second barrier in the 150m. Yet, behind the headlines, frustrations were clearly simmering.
Sources close to the sprinter confirm that the switch is rooted in repeated disappointment with the system back home.
With this switch, Turkey gains one of the world’s brightest young track stars, while Nigeria faces the painful reality of another prodigy slipping through its grasp.
Tags: Favour Ofili, Turkey, Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Paris Olympics, Tokyo Olympics.
