World Athletics denies Favour Ofili’s nationality switch to Turkey

The World Athletics (WA) has turned down Favour Ofili’s request to change her athletic allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed the decision on Thursday, saying WA’s national review panel refused the application.

According to the ruling, the rejection was linked to concerns that the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF) was attempting to “induce recruited athletes to switch nationality abruptly and primarily for mercenary reasons.”

Ofili was one of eleven foreign athletes whose applications were submitted by Turkey to WA for allegiance switch.

In its ruling, WA said Turkey’s recruitment process undermines the integrity of national competitions and discourages countries from developing homegrown talent.

The athletics governing body added that the attempt also risks replacing local talent with imported competitors.

Ofili began the process of her nationality switch in 2025. The 23-year-old’s decision followed her accusations of neglect and career sabotage against AFN.

Ofili could not participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics because the Nigerian Olympic authorities failed to inform her of the minimum drug-testing requirements for competing in the event.

Another administrative error prevented Ofili from representing Nigeria in the 100m event four years later at Paris 2024, as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria failed to submit her name on time.