In a development that’s stirring debate across Nigeria’s sporting community, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has confirmed it will not oppose star sprinter Favour Ofili’s decision to switch her international allegiance to Turkey.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa stated that while the news was “sad and painful,” Ofili is “old enough to decide what’s best for her.” The federation emphasized that it had not received any official communication from either Ofili or World Athletics but acknowledged reports that she had informed the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of her intent2.
Ofili, 22, reportedly cited years of frustration with the AFN, including her controversial omission from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Nigeria’s failure to meet anti-doping requirements at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Despite being one of Nigeria’s top athletes, the AFN described her as “difficult to deal with,” noting that she often skipped national trials or chose her preferred events.
The sprinter is said to have already begun the process of switching to Turkey, where she could reportedly earn up to $500,000 as part of the country’s athlete recruitment drive ahead of the 2028 Olympics4.
While the AFN expressed disappointment, it also reaffirmed its commitment to developing other talents. “No one is above the system,” an official said, adding that Nigeria continues to nurture world-class athletes ready to step up.
As the dust settles, Ofili’s departure reignites conversations about athlete welfare, administrative lapses, and the future of Nigerian athletics on the global stage.
