- Favour Ashe leaves Nigeria for Qatar
- Sprinter cites poor treatment by officials
- Qatar targeting Nigerian stars for relay team
- More athletes reportedly set to switch allegiance
United States-based Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has confirmed his decision to leave Nigeria’s athletics system, saying he is set to continue his career under Qatar after becoming frustrated with what he described as an unfavourable sporting environment at home.
Ashe, regarded as Nigeria’s fastest sprinter in recent times, told The Guardian that he has been in Qatar for the past five months and no longer sees a future for himself in Nigerian athletics.
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According to the 100m specialist, the decision to change allegiance was driven by years of neglect, lack of support and what he described as disrespect from officials.
“I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” Ashe said.
The sprinter, who boasts a personal best of 9.79 seconds, has yet to open his 2026 season but disclosed that the Qatari federation has already laid out structured plans for him and other athletes.
“The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do,” he stated.
Ashe also revealed that several young Nigerian athletes are currently part of Qatar’s training programme, with a long-term focus on building a formidable 4x100m relay team anchored by Nigerian-born sprinters.
Another athlete, Sunday Akintan, who recently clocked 6.48 seconds indoors, is also said to have switched allegiance to Qatar as part of the same recruitment drive.
Sources further disclosed that several home-based athletes, including some currently in camp for the Commonwealth Games, are considering similar moves in search of better funding, exposure and competitive opportunities.
Ashe said his frustration peaked during the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where he was controversially disqualified from the 100m final while representing Team Delta.
“Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back,” Ashe warned.
“Soon Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes. Some are even ready to run for other African countries that can offer them proper compensation and regular competitions.”
An official of the Delta State Sports Commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the commission was not officially aware of Ashe’s move to Qatar.
It also remained unclear whether Ashe is among the athletes who received training grants from the National Sports Commission this year.
The development follows a similar decision by Favour Ofili, who last year switched allegiance to Turkey after accusing officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of ill treatment during preparations for the Paris Olympics.