Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has officially confirmed her decision to switch allegiance to Turkey, marking the end of her long-standing dispute with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), The Telegraph reports.
In an emotional statement shared on her Instagram page on Monday, Ofili revealed that the move follows months of reflection and frustration over what she described as repeated neglect by Nigerian sports authorities.
“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions,” Ofili wrote. “As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.”
The 21-year-old sprinter, who rose to prominence wearing Nigerian colours, said she is proud of what she achieved for the country but admitted that ongoing disappointment had left her with little choice but to seek new opportunities abroad.
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way — winning six gold medals, two silvers, and two bronzes in championship meets and reaching the Olympic 200m final,” she stated.
Ofili pointed specifically to the lack of support from the AFN and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, particularly during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as pivotal moments that shaped her decision.
She was quick to clarify that her switch to Turkey was not financially motivated: “While that means sitting out this year’s championships in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I also appreciate the support from my coach, agent, sponsor, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Her confirmation follows public remarks from AFN President Tonobok Okowa, who acknowledged the federation’s ongoing struggle to retain top talent amid chronic underfunding.
Speaking at the National Athletics Championships in Lagos, Okowa said: “The kind of money they [Turkey] put on the table to get her is not something many athletes would refuse. That is why we’re pleading with Nigeria and the government to step in with support, so we don’t keep losing our athletes.”
Ofili’s departure is the latest in a growing list of Nigerian athletes who have switched national allegiance, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, and Femi Ogunode, all of whom went on to achieve international success under different flags.
She will be ineligible for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as she completes the administrative process of her transfer, before officially beginning her next chapter competing for Turkey.
