Favour Ofili, one of Nigeria’s brightest sprinting stars, remains officially listed as a Nigerian athlete by World Athletics (WA) — despite mounting reports that she’s set to switch her sporting allegiance to Turkey.
The 22-year-old 150m world record holder is said to have written to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), requesting a nationality change following years of reported frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Social media buzzed on Sunday with claims that Ofili had finally had enough, citing unfair treatment at international events.
So far, both the AFN and Ofili have remained silent. Chronicle NG’s check on the WA website as of 22 June confirms that Ofili’s profile still lists her under Nigeria. Under WA Rule 4.4.2, any athlete switching national representation must observe a three-year waiting period from their last competition for their former country.
Ofili last competed for Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite qualifying, she was initially left out of the women’s race by the AFN — only to be reinstated and eventually finish sixth in the 200m final. It wasn’t her first brush with controversy. Back in 2021, she was among 10 Nigerian athletes barred from competing at the Tokyo Olympics due to the AFN’s failure to meet anti-doping protocols.
If confirmed, Ofili would join a growing list of top Nigerian talents who have turned their backs on the country over administrative failings.
Notable names include Gloria Alozie (Spain), Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Femi Ogunode (Qatar), and most recently, Annette Echikunwoke, who won silver for the United States in Paris.
The silence from both parties leaves questions hanging — but the signs suggest another defection may just be a matter of time.
