The reported decision by Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili to switch her athletic allegiance to Turkey has sparked a heated debate within the global athletics community, exposing deep-seated frustrations with national federations and raising questions about the integrity of international competition.
Ofili’s move, reportedly driven by administrative failures that led to her missing two Olympic Games, is seen by many as a symptom of a wider crisis in the sport.
Sources close to the 22-year-old, including reports citing Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor and communications with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), indicate that Ofili formally began the nationality switch process on May 31, 2025.
Her motivation is cited as long-standing dissatisfaction and “sheer administrative incompetence” by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).
Ofili reportedly detailed how the AFN’s failure to confirm doping control tests led to her missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and administrative oversight also excluded her from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite her qualification.
While the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, expressed shock and sorrow at the news, stating they had not received official notification from Ofili or World Athletics, he also acknowledged difficulties in dealing with the athlete.
Critics argue that a switch to a country with “no real sporting or cultural ties” to Ofili, especially when she has studied and trained extensively in the United States, points to financial incentives overshadowing genuine connections.
Reports suggest that Turkey has been actively recruiting elite athletes globally, with some offers including substantial signing bonuses.
While Ofili reportedly informed the AIU her decision was not financially motivated, the perception remains.
“If this precedence is not stopped, it will destroy the sport,” remarked one observer, reflecting a common sentiment.
“Countries like Turkey will keep buying medals, and poor nations will keep losing talent without correction or accountability.”
This situation highlights a fundamental tension between an athlete’s right to pursue their career in a supportive environment and the principles of national representation in sport.
World Athletics rules stipulate a mandatory three-year waiting period for athletes who have previously represented a country at international competitions before they can compete for a new nation.
However, exemptions can be granted in “exceptional circumstances,” such as administrative negligence or harm caused by a federation.
If Ofili and the Turkish Athletics Federation can successfully argue that her move was a direct consequence of Nigeria’s failures, she could potentially be cleared to compete sooner.
The issue has drawn comparisons to football, where FIFA’s stricter rules on nationality changes, especially for capped players, largely prevent similar scenarios.
“This is exactly why football remains king, FIFA has firm rules. Imagine a Super Eagles player with 50 caps suddenly switching to Saudi Arabia after NFF fails him. It wouldn’t stand ,” a pundit noted.
For many, Ofili’s departure is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in developing nations due to perceived mismanagement and lack of support from their federations.
