OFILI STAYS WITH NIGERIA AFTER WORLD ATHLETICS REJECTS SWITCH

By: Gyang Dakwo

Favour Ofili will continue to represent Nigeria after World Athletics rejected her request to switch allegiance to Turkey. The decision ends months of uncertainty about her international future and confirms that she remains eligible to compete for Nigeria.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced the decision on Thursday after receiving communication from World Athletics.

AFN said the ruling followed a review of Ofili’s request along with 10 other applications submitted by Turkish athletics authorities, which were said to be part of a wider recruitment plan ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

According to the AFN, World Athletics declined the request because it could weaken the integrity of global athletics. The body raised concerns that transfers driven by financial incentives may discourage countries from developing their own athletes and could also push out local talents.

Although the panel considered Ofili’s personal situation, including her participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it concluded that approving the move would go against key rules guiding international eligibility. As a result, she cannot compete for Turkey and will continue under the Nigerian flag.

The federation welcomed her back and called for support from all stakeholders. AFN President Tonobok Okowa said the focus should now be on helping her succeed. “What she needs most at this time is love, support, encouragement and more love,” Okowa said.

Okowa added that her return gives a chance to rebuild trust and improve relations with athletes as Nigeria prepares for future competitions.

Ofili’s move to switch allegiance came after frustrations with the athletics system in Nigeria. She was among athletes who missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due to failure to meet anti-doping requirements, which drew global criticism. Years later, she was also left out of the 100 metres at the Paris Olympics due to what she described as another administrative error, although she ran in the 200 metres final and finished sixth.

A committee later reviewed the Paris incident, but its recommendations, including compensation and a formal apology, were not fully carried out, which increased tensions.

World Athletics rules state that athletes who want to change nationality after representing a country must wait for about three years. Exceptions are rare and are only granted in special cases.

For Nigeria, the decision offers some relief as the country has seen several top athletes switch to other nations over the years. Many of them have pointed to poor administration and lack of support, and in some cases, those concerns have been seen as valid.