Favour Ofili’s Alleged Move to Turkey Sparks Support from Nigerians, Leaves AFN Stunned

Nigerian sprint sensation and 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, has reportedly switched her athletic allegiance to Turkey, a move that has drawn strong public support even as officials at home react with dismay.

According to Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor, who broke the news on social media, Ofili’s decision was made official on May 31, 2025, with the Athletics Integrity Unit already informed. Sources close to the athlete revealed that her choice was not financially motivated but rather a response to long-standing frustrations with Nigerian athletics administrators.

Ofili, aged 22, allegedly cited two major incidents: missing out on competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and her exclusion from the 100m event at the 2024 Paris Games—both reportedly due to administrative failings by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

In reaction, AFN President Tonobok Okowa, recently re-elected for a second term, expressed shock over the development, stating that while Ofili has the right to choose her path, her departure is a painful blow for Nigerian athletics.

“If this is true, it’s both disappointing and heartbreaking. While we haven’t received official communication from her or from World Athletics, she’s a talented athlete with huge promise,” Okowa noted.

Despite the AFN’s disappointment, many Nigerians have rallied behind Ofili. On social media, fans expressed understanding and support, with some arguing that the country’s chaotic sports governance system left her with no choice. One commenter wrote, “Nigeria doesn’t deserve her. Turkey will offer better opportunities.”

Others suggested that Ofili’s switch should prompt a complete overhaul of the AFN, which they blame for losing many talented athletes over the years.

Sports journalist Solace Chukwu emphasized that Nigeria has long struggled with athlete management, arguing that most talents succeed due to personal effort rather than systemic support.

While World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian on its database, her switch could become official ahead of the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September 13–21, 2025, in Tokyo.

Reports suggest that Turkey, like some other countries, has been actively recruiting foreign athletes, reportedly offering substantial financial incentives — in some cases, up to $500,000 — to those willing to change national allegiance.

If confirmed, Ofili would join a growing list of Nigerian-born athletes, including Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), and Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), who changed nationality due to frustrations with Nigeria’s sports system and went on to thrive globally.

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