Favour Ofili, a Nigerian sprint sensation, has reportedly switched her international allegiance to Turkey due to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) ongoing negligence and administrative shortcomings. After years of poor leadership and lost chances on the international scene, the 22-year-old athlete is rumored to have reached her breaking point.
Ofili reportedly notified the Athletics Integrity Unit of her decision on May 31. According to sources close to the sprinter, she made the decision because she was deeply frustrated with the way her career had been treated in Nigeria, not because she was looking for financial incentives.
One of the most promising athletes in Nigeria, Ofili, has had a tense relationship with the nation’s sports authorities. Notably, she was one of the athletes that were excluded from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to Nigeria’s noncompliance with mandated anti-doping testing procedures, a circumstance that drew international censure. The apparent turning point occurred during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris when she was disqualified from the 100-meter competition because of a purported administrative error. She participated in the 200-meter race and finished sixth in the final, but she was disappointed not to be allowed to run in her favorite race.
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Following the Paris incident, a Ministry of Sports-appointed inquiry panel suggested that Ofili be given a formal apology and $5,000 in compensation. These suggestions haven’t been carried out, though. Regarding claims that she switched to Türkiye, the AFN has not yet responded.
The loss of another gifted athlete to a foreign country has sparked a quick public response, with many Nigerians expressing regret. “Nigerians are the only people who genuinely love their country but still feel incapacitated by it,” noted one social media user. You made a wise choice. Nigeria doesn’t take it seriously. You should be treated better. Another said, “You’re upset that she changed nations because they didn’t register her for the Olympics twice? There are those of you that are incredible.
Ofili’s decision, according to analysts, is part of a larger trend of talent drain that is affecting several Nigerian industries. “This is evident in athletics, medicine, and other fields. As one commenter put it, “other countries benefit when we fail to support talent.” “When we later attempt to claim their accomplishments as our own, it leaves a bitter taste.”
The emotional impact of these choices has also been emphasized by commentators. Nigeria is still in her blood, even though she may be a representative of Turkey. An further expert urged authorities to consider ways to retain national talent, saying, “It’s a sad reflection of how our systems are failing our best hands.”
