Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has confirmed her switch of allegiance to Turkey, emphasizing that her decision is based on personal conviction, not financial gain.
Favour Ofili, a former Nigerian track star and Olympic 200m finalist, announced her decision to represent Turkey, as shared in a statement on her Instagram. Ofili, who competed for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, cited negligence by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Tokyo and Paris as key factors. Her move, reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, requires a three-year probation, ruling her out of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Ofili, who won six gold medals for Nigeria, expressed pride in her achievements but highlighted frustrations with administrative failures. She emphasized that her switch was heartfelt, driven by a new sense of belonging in Turkey, supported by her coach, agent, and sponsor Adidas. The decision follows speculation since June 2025, with Turkey aiming to leverage Ofili’s talent for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Nigeria’s athletics community, still reeling from stars like Tobi Amusan, laments her departure.
The switch has sparked debate, with some respecting Ofili’s choice, while others criticize the AFN’s lapses. The move tests Nigeria’s ability to retain talent and Turkey’s growing influence in athletics. As Ofili prepares for her Turkish debut, her decision could reshape Nigeria’s track landscape, urging reforms to support future stars.