World Athletics has turned down Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili's request to change her sporting nationality to Türkiye, according to Completesports.com. The governing body reached the decision after reviewing Ofili's application together with ten other requests submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation, all tied to a government‑backed recruitment drive ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
World Athletics said the transfers form part of a broader strategy to lure foreign athletes with lucrative contracts, a practice that it believes undermines the integrity of national competitions, discourages countries from developing home‑grown talent and puts local athletes at risk. The ruling underscores the federation's commitment to preserving authentic national representation in track and field.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) responded by officially welcoming Ofili back into its ranks. AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed delight at the development and stressed the need for unity and encouragement around one of Nigeria's brightest track talents. "love, support, encouragement and more love," Okowa said, adding that the focus now should be on providing the right environment for the 100m and 200m star.
The 23‑year‑old sprinter is expected
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