Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Announces Switch To Turkey After Olympic Disappointments
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has announced her switch of nationality from Nigeria to Turkey, citing long-standing issues with the country’s athletics authorities.
The 22-year-old athlete revealed the decision in a statement on her Instagram page.
Ofili’s decision to switch allegiance stems from her disappointment with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) over their handling of her participation in two Olympic Games
Ofili was unable to participate due to the AFN’s failure to update her on the minimum drug-testing requirement.
An administrative error by the AFN prevented her from representing Nigeria in the 100m event.
”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.
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 switch of allegiance means she will not be eligible to compete for Turkey until 2027, as per World Athletics rules.
The Turkish athletics body has reportedly been shopping for athletes, offering significant financial incentives to attract top talent
One fan commented on Ofili’s post, asking if any officials had been sacked for their negligence during the Olympics. Ofili 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.”
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
