-
Favour Ofili’s Allegiance Switch Leaves AFN Stunned: Why She Chose Turkey.
-
Nigerian Fans Gutted as Ofili Walks Away.
-
From Team Nigeria to Turkey: Ofili’s Bold Move.
Also Read: Favour Ofili Switches Allegiance to Turkey
Favour Ofili’s Allegiance Switch Leaves AFN Stunned as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria admits it learned of the sprint star’s move to Turkey from news outlets.
Indeed, AFN President Tonobok Okowa said he and his board felt shocked and heartbroken when they saw the reports online.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Therefore, they’ve demanded an official explanation.
“Just like every other sports-loving person in Nigeria, on the continent and beyond, I and the newly elected board read and heard her desire to change nationality from the media,” – Mr Okowa said.
He went further to say :
“If this is true, it is sad, disheartening and painful.”
Moreover, Kayon Raynor – a Jamaica-based reporter took to X late Saturday to report that, as of May 31, 2025, Ofili filed paperwork with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to change her sporting nationality.
He cited TVJ News Centre sources and noted that her growing frustration with the AFN fueled this decision.
Ofili missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when required doping tests weren’t completed on time.
Similarly, at Paris 2024, she ranked among Nigeria’s fastest but didn’t run the 100m and then finished sixth in the 200m final.
These setbacks, therefore, drove her away.
Also Read: Favour Ofili Withdraws from Olympic 100m: Here’s Why
Notably, she told the AIU her choice wasn’t about money but about repeated administrative lapses.
In fact, this point underscores her professionalism and dedication rather than financial motivation.
Okowa stressed that his board had no involvement in the Tokyo preparations; the previous AFN leadership, alongside the Sports Ministry and Nigeria Olympic Committee, handled those.
losing Ofili would seriously weaken Nigeria’s sprint squad ahead of the 2025 World Championships and reignite debates about how we support and manage our athletes.
Consequently, many will call on the AFN to improve communication and transparency.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Was Ofili right to switch?
How can the AFN strengthen athlete relations?
Drop your thoughts below, share this post, and subscribe for more updates!
