AFN Welcomes Ofili Back After World Athletics Blocks Switch, Turkey To Challenge Decision

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has left the door open for Favour Ofili to return to representing the country after her application to switch allegiance to Turkey was rejected by World Athletics.

Naija News reports that Favour Ofili’s proposed change of nationality shook Nigerian athletics in May 2025, when the sprinter cited dissatisfaction with how local authorities handled her career.

Almost a year later, the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel ruled that the request submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved.

The decision followed a review of 11 applications linked to a government-backed recruitment drive ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

World Athletics stated that the transfer push formed part of a broader strategy to attract foreign athletes with lucrative contracts, warning that such moves could undermine the integrity of national competitions, discourage the development of homegrown talent, and risk replacing local athletes with imported competitors.

The governing body added that it has discretionary powers under its eligibility rules to reject nationality switches when wider institutional objectives are at risk. Although the panel examined Ofili’s grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities, it ruled that those concerns did not outweigh the broader regulatory issues.

The sprinter last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has since acquired Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract and indicated plans to relocate. Those developments were not considered sufficient grounds for approval under the rules.

In a statement shared by the head of the AFN Media Committee, Maxwell Kumoye, Okowa welcomed the possibility of Ofili’s return and called for unity around one of Nigeria’s leading track stars.

“The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has officially welcomed sprint sensation Favour Ofili back into its fold, signalling a fresh chapter in the relationship between the athlete and the federation,” the statement read.

“According to Okowa, the focus now should be on providing the right environment for the 100m and 200m stars to thrive, stressing that what she needs most from stakeholders is love, support, encouragement, and more love.

“The federation’s stance comes at a crucial time for Nigerian athletics, as it looks to rebuild trust and strengthen athlete relations ahead of major international competitions.

“Ofili’s return is expected to boost Nigeria’s sprint prospects, with the AFN hopeful that renewed backing from officials, fans, and the athletics community will help her reach her full potential on the global stage.”

Ofili remains eligible to compete for Nigeria and in individual international meets such as the Diamond League but cannot represent Turkey in international championships. She has yet to comment publicly on the ruling.

Turkey To Challenge Favour Ofili Decision At CAS

Turkey will appeal the World Athletics decision, with the case set for the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The move follows Thursday’s ruling by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel rejecting the transfer request, citing concerns about athlete recruitment practices and the integrity of international competition.

According to Jamaican veteran journalist Kayon Raynor, Turkish authorities are preparing a legal challenge.

“Turkey will be appealing the decision by World Athletics to turn down the transfer of allegiance applications of 11 athletes, and they will also take the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports, CAS,” Raynor wrote on 𝕏.

The ruling means Ofili and the other athletes cannot represent Turkey at major championships such as the Olympic Games and World Championships, although they remain free to compete in one-day meetings and club competitions.