Nigeria’s athletics community reacted with deep disappointment after reports surfaced that Favour Ofili, the country’s rising sprint talent, has switched her allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025. The move, reportedly shared with the Athletics Integrity Unit, first appeared on social media. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it heard the news via those same channels, describing the situation as emotional and difficult for all involved.

Ofili’s Alleged Decision Surfaced Online

Reports from Jamaican-based journalist Kayon Raynor, citing TVJ News Centre sources, revealed that Favour Ofili has officially informed the Athletics Integrity Unit of her intention to compete for Turkey. Those reports suggest she attributes the switch to long-standing frustrations with the Nigerian federation—specifically over missing mandatory doping tests that prevented her from competing at Tokyo 2020, and her omission from the 100 m entry list at Paris 2024. Both incidents, Ofili reportedly told the AIU, were administrative missteps—not financial decisions.

Federation Learns of Move through Media

AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed dismay, confirming the federation discovered the news just like the rest of the world. “If this is true, it is sad, disheartening and painful,” he told reporters. He stressed that neither Ofili nor World Athletics has formally notified AFN of the change. He detailed Nigeria’s proactive in-house efforts: the AFN conducted 60% of its own doping tests before Paris 2024, paid for through federation resources, and did not find any breaches.

Furthermore, Okowa assured that Ofili received her training grant for the year, underscoring continued institutional support. He said AFN has attempted outreach and reconciliation following her spat over the Paris 100 m omission, but those efforts foundered as Ofili became unresponsive.

Reports Describe Strained Athlete-Federation Relationship

AFN officials have labelled Ofili “difficult to work with,” citing several incidents:

• She allegedly skipped national trials and chose preferred events.

• She reportedly withdrew from the 100 m semifinal at the African Senior Championships in Cameroon.

• She missed the African Games in Accra entirely.

• She chose to train separately from national camps on multiple occasions, often with U.S.-based coaches—reportedly affecting relay team cohesion.

While the federation noted Nigeria can replace her with ready athletes, they also expressed regret over what they call a waste of talent and a breakdown in trust.

Ofili’s Credentials and Ambitions

At 22, Ofili stands among Nigeria’s top sprinters. She holds national and African records in the 200 m (21.96s), secured silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and finished sixth in the 200 m final at Paris 2024. Her personal best in the 100 m is 10.93s.

Should her transfer proceed, Ofili must observe a standard three-year waiting period under World Athletics rules before representing Turkey in global competitions—except if a waiver applies. Rule 4.4.2 mandates this waiting period, while Rule 4.6 allows for exceptions in cases of administrative neglect, athlete welfare issues, or demonstrated ties to the new nation—criteria possibly met in this case.

Turkey’s Talent Acquisition Strategy

The reported signing would align with Turkey’s recent efforts to recruit international track stars. Jamaican shot-putter Rajindra Campbell and discus gold medallist Roje Stona reportedly switched allegiances, receiving substantial financial incentives. Ofili is said to have been offered a generous financial package, including a USD 500,000 signing bonus, USD 30,000 monthly stipend, and potential USD 1 million in medal bonuses—though she is reported to have cited No financial motivation in her decision.

National Impact and Federation Response

Okowa stated that although the federation is deeply hurt, it will not obstruct her choice. “She is still our child, sister and daughter,” he said, reaffirming goodwill amid official regret. In a follow-up statement, AFN emphasized that many officials feel anguished but will respect Ofili’s decision.

Yet some frustrated rhetoric surfaced internally, with unnamed officials claiming they tolerated her uncooperative behavior for too long and emphasised Nigeria’s ability to replace her if needed.

Okowa also offered an apology to Nigerians and stakeholders who expected continued national representation from a sprinter of Ofili’s calibre.

Eligibility Concerns and Future Prospects

For Ofili to compete under the Turkish flag, she must either complete the three-year waiting period after her last appearance for Nigeria (at Paris 2024) or receive a waiver from World Athletics. That panel considers factors such as “systemic mismanagement” by the former federation and the athlete’s connections to the new country. The absence of formal submissions—by Ofili or the Turkish federation—means that as of now, she remains officially listed as Nigerian.

A Pattern in Global Athletics

Ofili’s situation mirrors a broader pattern. More nations are targeting elite athletes from countries with governance issues in their sports systems. Nigeria previously lost champion Annette Echikunwoke, who switched to the U.S. after a federation blunder at Tokyo 2020—and now Jamaica has lost Campbell and Stona to Turkey.

These trends highlight systemic weaknesses and growing global competition for elite talent.

What Comes Next?

Should Ofili finalize her transfer, Nigeria risks losing one of its brightest young stars—a blow emotionally and reputationally. The AFN will need to confront internal administrative flaws, strengthen athlete relationships, and rebuild trust to retain top talents.

Meanwhile, Ofili embarks on a path that could elevate her career—but may come at the cost of three lost championship years if no waiver is granted. Whether Turkey offers a better developmental environment or just a financial boost, the switch underscores deeper issues in national athletics systems.

Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads: rebuild institutional integrity or risk losing more talent to better-resourced rivals. The handling of Ofili’s case may shape the careers of countless other athletes and the country’s track legacy.