Favour Ofili, a Nigerian sprint sensation, has reportedly switched her international allegiance to Turkey, citing continuous neglect and administrative failings by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The 22-year-old athlete is claimed to have reached her breaking point after years of mismanagement and wasted opportunities on a global scale.
According to reports, Ofili formally informed the Athletics Integrity Unit about her decision on May 31. According to sources close to the sprinter, the decision was not motivated by financial incentives, but rather by severe displeasure with way her career had been handled in Nigeria.
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Ofili, one of Nigeria’s most promising athletes, has had a tumultuous relationship with the country’s sports authorities. Notably, she was one of the athletes barred from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after Nigeria failed to meet strict anti-doping testing criteria, a circumstance that drew global condemnation. The tipping point apparently occurred at the Paris 2024 Olympics, when she was disqualified from the 100-meter event owing to an alleged administrative error. She participated in the 200-meter event and finished sixth in the final, but being denied her favorite race left her disappointed.
Following the Paris incident, an investigating team established by the Ministry of Sports suggested that Ofili receive a formal apology and $5,000 in compensation. However, these recommendations have not been implemented. The AFN has yet to respond to allegations of her transfer to Türkiye.
The public reaction has been immediate, with many Nigerians disappointed at the departure of yet another outstanding athlete to a foreign country. According to one social media user, “Nigerians are the only people who truly love their country but continue to feel incapacitated by it.” Good decision. Nigeria is not serious. “You deserve better.” Another said, “They didn’t register her for the Olympics twice, and you’re upset she switched countries? “Some of you are unbelievable.”
According to analysts, Ofili’s departure is part of a larger trend of talent drain in Nigeria’s many sectors. “We see this in medicine, athletics, and other fields. “When we fail to support talent, other countries benefit,” one commenter said. “It leaves a bitter taste when we later try to claim their successes as our own.”
Commentators have also highlighted the emotional significance of such judgments. “While she may represent Turkey, Nigeria is in her blood. “It’s a sad reflection of how our systems are failing our best hands,” said another expert, pushing officials to consider how to retain national talent.
