Favour Ofili's attempt to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey has been rejected by World Athletics. The 23-year-old sprinter, who qualified for the 100m event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was previously barred from competing after Nigerian authorities failed to submit her name despite eligibility. She had also been among several athletes ruled out of the Games due to non-compliance with mandatory out-of-competition drug testing protocols under the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Nigeria Olympic Committee. National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade welcomed the decision, calling it a relief and reaffirming Nigeria's support for Ofili. "I am grateful that her hope of representing Turkey was dashed because Favour Ofili is our daughter. We love her so much," Olopade said. She urged Ofili to return to Nigeria, stating, "We promise you all the support you need to go and win at the Olympics in the next two years. Please come back to us." World Athletics blocked the transfer, citing concerns over a state-backed recruitment strategy by Turkey aimed at boosting its team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The governing body described the effort as a "mercenary" approach targeting athletes like Ofili.
World Athletics did not reject Favour Ofili's switch because of her individual merits, but because Turkey's bid exposed a strategic recruitment push deemed harmful to the sport's integrity. Nigeria's celebration of her continued affiliation ignores the systemic failures that drove her to seek representation elsewhere in the first place. The same administration that failed to enter her for the Tokyo 2020 100m despite qualification now promises full support. Until those structural issues are addressed, appeals for loyalty ring hollow.
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