Favour Ofili will remain eligible to represent Nigeria after World Athletics rejected her application to switch allegiance to Turkey. National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade expressed relief at the decision, calling it a victory for Nigerian athletics and urging the 23-year-old sprinter to return to the national team. Olopade described Ofili as "our daughter" and made a public appeal for her to come back, stating, "We must beg our daughter to come back home." He emphasized that Nigeria loves her and is ready to provide full support ahead of the next Olympic Games. "Don't be dejected, don't be angry, know that we love you, we still want you back," Olopade said. The NSC chief acknowledged past tensions between the athlete and sports authorities, framing the current outreach as part of efforts to rebuild trust. Ofili, one of Nigeria's top sprint talents, has not competed for Nigeria internationally amid the ongoing dispute over administrative issues. Her status remains unresolved, though she retains eligibility to represent Nigeria in upcoming global competitions. While an appeal to switch nations is still possible, for now, the door remains open for her return. Olopade reiterated that Nigeria is waiting for her with open arms.
The NSC's emotional plea exposes how deeply strained its relationship with Favour Ofili has become, despite her still being eligible to run for Nigeria. The fact that a top athlete's continued affiliation requires public begging suggests a systemic failure in athlete management, not a simple administrative dispute. With Olympic qualification cycles closing in, Nigeria is left hoping sentiment overrides structure in convincing her to return.
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