The Athletics Federation of Nigeria says Favour Ofili can still return to represent the country after World Athletics rejected her request to switch allegiance to Turkey.
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, has confirmed that the door remains open for Favour Ofili to continue representing Nigeria, following the rejection of her application to switch allegiance to Turkey by World Athletics.
The development comes after reports emerged that Ofili had sought to change her sporting nationality, a move that raised concerns within Nigeria’s athletics community and among fans. However, the rejection of her application means the sprinter remains eligible to compete for Nigeria under current regulations.
Reacting to the situation, Okowa signaled a conciliatory approach, indicating that the federation is willing to welcome the athlete back into the national fold despite the recent developments. His comments suggest an effort to prioritise unity and retain one of Nigeria’s most promising track talents.
Ofili, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest sprint prospects, has been a standout performer on the international stage, delivering impressive results in recent competitions. Her potential departure had sparked debate about athlete welfare, administrative challenges, and the increasing trend of athletes seeking to represent other countries.
The rejection by World Athletics highlights the strict rules governing nationality switches in global athletics, which often require athletes to meet specific eligibility criteria and waiting periods before representing a new country.
This incident also brings renewed attention to the broader issues within Nigerian athletics, including concerns over athlete management, support systems, and the need for improved engagement between sports authorities and competitors.
For Nigeria, retaining top athletes like Ofili remains critical to maintaining competitiveness on the global stage. The AFN’s willingness to reopen discussions may provide an opportunity to address underlying concerns and rebuild trust.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Ofili chooses to return to Team Nigeria and how the federation manages the relationship moving forward.
