Favour Ofili Switches Allegiance To Turkey

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has announced her decision to switch allegiance to Turkey, officially ending her long-standing rift with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Sharing her thoughts on the switch in an Instagram post on Monday, Favour Ofili explained that the decision came after months of deep reflection, following a difficult period in which she felt disappointed by the Nigerian federation.

She added that, although she took pride in representing Nigeria, ongoing disappointments ultimately left her with few options.

“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions.

“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way, having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets and reaching the Olympic 200 metres final,” she said.

Ofili further stated that neglect from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, especially during the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, played a significant role in her decision.

She emphasised, however, that her decision to switch allegiance was not driven by financial considerations.

“While that means sitting out this year’s championships in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives.

“I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

“I also appreciate the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor and loved ones during this difficult time,” she said.

Her statement follows remarks by the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, who acknowledged that the federation has been struggling to curb the departure of top athletes because of inadequate funding.

He confirmed Ofili’s move at the National Athletics Championships in Lagos, cautioning that additional athletes might make similar decisions if immediate financial assistance is not provided.

Okowa noted that countries such as Turkey have intensified their recruitment of foreign athletes by providing significant incentives.

“The kind of money they put on the table to get her is not something many athletes would refuse.

“That is why we are pleading with Nigeria as a nation and our government to come out and support us, so we don’t keep losing our athletes,” he said.

Ofili’s move reflects a pattern seen with other prominent athletes, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, and Femi Ogunode, who similarly left Nigeria to compete for other countries.

Ofili will miss the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo while finalising her switch, after which she will embark on the next stage of her career representing Turkey.