Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, one of the most promising athletes in African athletics, has requested to switch her sporting allegiance to Turkey. According to reports published by L’Equipe, the 22-year-old athlete’s decision is due to shortcomings on the part of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), which prevented her from competing in the 100-meter dash at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Turkey, which has already recruited several Jamaican athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is about to add Ofili to its growing list of talents. According to Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor, quoted by Nigerian media, the sprinter submitted her application for a change of nationality on May 31.
Problems and frustration with the AFN
Ofili’s frustration with the AFN is not new. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the sprinter finished sixth in the 200-meter final with a time of 22.24 seconds, just four hundredths of a second off the podium. However, she was unable to compete in the 100 meters, her specialty, due to an administrative error by the Nigerian federation. This was not the only incident: in Tokyo 2021, Ofili also missed the Olympic Games due to NFA errors related to anti-doping requirements.
Ofili’s decision is reportedly not motivated by financial reasons, but by her dissatisfaction with the management of her career. If her change of nationality is confirmed, she could receive a signing bonus of $500,000 and a monthly salary of between $5,000 and $30,000, in addition to additional incentives for Olympic medals.
Turkey, an attractive destination for athletes
Turkey has stepped up its efforts to attract elite athletes in recent years. In addition to Ofili, the country has recruited four Jamaican medalists for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, establishing itself as an attractive destination for athletes seeking better conditions and institutional support.
World Athletics Rule 4.4.2 states that an athlete who has previously competed for one country must observe a three-year waiting period before representing another. However, Ofili could be eligible for an exemption, which would allow her to compete for Turkey before 2028.
Other cases of Nigerian athletes
If her change is confirmed, Ofili will join a list of Nigerian athletes who have chosen to represent other countries due to problems with the AFN. Hurdler Gloria Alozie changed her nationality to Spain, while sprinter Francis Obikwelu joined Portugal. Femi Ogunode, also a sprinter, now represents Qatar, and Kemi Adekoya and Salwa Eid Naser, both hurdlers and 400-meter specialists respectively, compete for Bahrain.
These cases reflect a recurring pattern of mismanagement in the Nigerian federation, which has led many of its talents to seek better opportunities abroad.
