Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has reacted after World Athletics rejected her request to change sporting allegiance from Nigeria to Türkiye.
Ofili said she has accepted the decision and is now focused on her career after the governing body blocked her application alongside 10 other athletes seeking transfers to represent Türkiye.
The 22-year-old athlete had attempted to switch her international representation after receiving Turkish citizenship and beginning the process of changing her sporting allegiance. World Athletics’ Nationality Review Panel rejected the request after reviewing the application under its transfer regulations.
Why World Athletics Rejected Favour Ofili’s Turkey Switch
World Athletics rejected Ofili’s transfer request after ruling that the application was part of a wider Türkiye recruitment programme involving several foreign athletes.
The governing body reviewed 11 nationality transfer applications submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation and rejected all of them. The cases involved athletes from Nigeria, Kenya, Jamaica and other countries.
World Athletics said the applications raised concerns about recruitment practices and the impact on international competitions.
Ofili’s case was reviewed alongside those of athletes who sought to represent Türkiye ahead of future international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Favour Ofili Explains Her Decision After Failed Nationality Switch
Ofili said she has moved forward after the ruling and is concentrating on her athletics career.
“I’m alright, and I’m at peace. Since the decision was announced, I’ve just been focusing on myself, my future and continuing to work hard,” Ofili said.
The sprinter did not announce a new transfer request after World Athletics rejected her application.
Why Favour Ofili Wanted To Leave Nigeria For Turkey
Ofili’s decision to pursue a nationality switch followed years of complaints about issues affecting her career while representing Nigeria.
The athlete previously criticised the handling of Nigerian athletics after missing major opportunities because of administrative problems.
Before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ofili said she qualified for the women’s 100m event but was unable to compete because Nigerian officials did not submit her entry for the race.
She also missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after Nigeria failed to meet the required process for her participation.
Favour Ofili Denies AFN Settlement And Reconciliation Claims
Ofili has denied reports suggesting she reached an agreement with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
The sprint star said she has not spoken with AFN officials since 2024 and rejected claims that she received a settlement or financial support from the federation.
AFN also stated that it did not influence World Athletics’ decision to reject the transfer request. The federation said the ruling came from World Athletics’ independent review process.
What The World Athletics Decision Means For Favour Ofili
The ruling means Ofili cannot represent Türkiye in major international competitions under the rejected transfer request.
She remains eligible to compete under Nigeria’s sporting representation rules because World Athletics did not approve the nationality change.
The decision does not stop Ofili from continuing her athletics career. She has said her focus remains on training, competition and future development.
Favour Ofili’s Athletics Career And Achievements
Ofili remains one of Nigeria’s leading sprint athletes.
She has competed in major international championships, won medals and set national records in sprint events.
The athlete has established herself as a prominent name in the women’s 100m and 200m categories and has represented Nigeria at global competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Favour Ofili’s Next Move After Turkey Switch Rejection
Ofili has not confirmed any further nationality transfer plans after World Athletics rejected her request.
The sprinter is now preparing for the next stage of her career while her international representation remains unchanged.
Her future competitions will depend on upcoming athletics schedules, eligibility rules and decisions surrounding her career path.
