Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili has reportedly switched her sporting allegiance to Turkey, citing deep frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). According to reports, the 22-year-old made the switch official on May 31, 2025, after being sidelined from major competitions like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 100m event at the Paris Games due to administrative blunders. Ofili is said to have told the Athletics Integrity Unit that the decision wasn’t about money but rather a deep sense of betrayal by her homeland.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa responded with visible disappointment, admitting he was shocked by the development. While acknowledging that Ofili is old enough to make her own decisions, he described her exit as painful. “She’s still our sister and daughter,” he said, offering an apology to Nigerians and international fans for what he called a “sad development.” As of now, the AFN has not received official communication from World Athletics.
Ofili’s move has ignited widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing understanding and support. Critics of Nigeria’s sports structure argue that it fails to nurture talent, and many believe Ofili made a smart, if difficult, choice. Some fans even encouraged other top athletes, like Tobi Amusan, to consider a similar path. Journalist Solace Chukwu remarked, “Nigeria doesn’t really develop athletes; it only benefits from them until they get tired.”
Despite the noise, World Athletics still lists Ofili as representing Nigeria. The young sprinter has already secured qualification for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Turkey known for aggressively recruiting international talent is reportedly offering up to $500,000 for athletes willing to switch national allegiance. Ofili now joins the ranks of Nigerian-born athletes who have found success abroad, a trend many see as the result of systemic neglect and poor management at home.