World athletics body rejects Turkeys attempt to poach Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili

NIGERIAN sprinter Favour Ofili will not be allowed to represent Turkey in future sporting events after World Athletics rejected her request to switch nationality saying such moves discourage countries from developing home-grown talent.

Ofili, 23, is the current 150 m world record holder having broken the world record on Saturday 17th May 2025 at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in a time of 15.85 seconds. Last year, Turkey filed a request with World Athletics that she be allowed to compete for them after the athlete expressed her disappointment with the way Nigeria had treated her.

Unhappy with the disorganisation within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ofili began the process of her nationality switch in 2025. Ofili could not participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics because the Nigerian Olympic authorities failed to inform her of the minimum drug-testing requirements for competing in the event.

Another administrative error prevented Ofili from representing Nigeria in the 100m event four years later at Paris 2024, as the AFN failed to submit her name on time. Seeing how unhappy the athlete was, Turkey's authorities stepped in and filed an application with World Athletics, asking for Ofili to be granted Turkish citizenship.

However, earlier today, World Athletics ruled against the switch, saying it was part of attempts by the Turkish Athletics Federation to induce recruited athletes to switch nationality abruptly and primarily for mercenary reasons. Favour Ofili was one of 11 foreign athletes whose applications were submitted by Turkey to World Athletics for allegiance switch.

In its ruling, World Athletics said Turkey’s recruitment process undermines the integrity of national competitions and discourages countries from developing home-grown talent. Also, the athletics governing body added that the attempt also risks replacing local talent with imported competitors.

Responding to the decision, the AFN struck a conciliatory tone, announcing that it has formally welcomed the athlete back into its fold while calling for renewed support from stakeholders. AFN president Tonobok Okowa said the priority should now be to create an enabling environment for the sprinter to thrive, urging officials, fans and the athletics community to rally around her.

Mr Okowa said: “What she needs most at this time is love, support, encouragement and more love." He added that Ofili’s return offers an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen relations with athletes, especially as Nigeria prepares for upcoming international competitions.

For Nigeria, today's decision represents a temporary reprieve in the face of a long-standing trend of athlete migration. Over recent years, several top Nigerian athletes have switched allegiance to other countries, often citing poor administration and lack of support.