June 22, (THEWILL) – Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has filed to switch her international sporting allegiance to Turkey following a series of administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria that cost her Olympic opportunities.
The 22-year-old world record holder officially completed her nationality transfer on May 31, just three months before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Journey revealed the move via social media, citing sources from TVJ News Centre who confirmed Ofili had advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustrations with Nigerian officials.
The decision stems from repeated administrative blunders that prevented Ofili from competing at major championships.
Nigerian authorities failed to confirm her doping control test numbers, which resulted in her missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics entirely.
At the Paris Olympics, Federation officials neglected to enter her for the 100m event, forcing her to compete only in the 200m where she finished sixth in the final.
These incidents left the sprinter feeling unsupported by her home nation’s athletics governing body.
Ofili emphasised to the Athletics Integrity Unit that financial incentives played no role in her nationality switch to Turkey.
The move represents a purely sporting decision driven by her desire to compete without administrative interference.
Her frustration centres on the pattern of missed opportunities that have prevented her from reaching her full potential on the global stage.
The sprinter made clear that Turkey’s offer provided the administrative stability she requires to focus on her athletics career.
In May 2025, Ofili made international headlines at the Adidas Atlanta City Games by smashing the 150m world record.
She clocked 15.85 seconds, obliterating the previous mark of 16.23 seconds held by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
The performance demonstrated her exceptional form heading into the upcoming World Championships, scheduled to take place from September 13-21 in Tokyo.
World Athletics currently maintains Ofili’s registration under Nigeria, and she remains qualified for the Tokyo World Championships.
Her eligibility period for Turkey will need to be confirmed before she can compete under her new flag.
The switch is one of the most significant nationality transfers in recent athletics history, with Ofili’s world record credentials making her an immediate asset to Turkish athletics.
The move could influence other Nigerian athletes frustrated with the administrative shortcomings.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
