Ankara, Turkey — In a surprising turn just months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Nigerian sprint sensation and 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, has reportedly transferred her allegiance to Turkey.
The development was revealed by Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, quoting reliable sources from the TVJ News Centre. According to Raynor, the decision took effect on May 31, 2025, and has already been communicated to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Ofili’s change of nationality is said to stem from ongoing dissatisfaction with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Raynor noted that the 22-year-old sprinter expressed consistent frustration over how she was treated by Nigerian sports authorities.
“She has officially informed the AIU of her disappointment with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted, further stating that Ofili has now embraced Turkish citizenship following repeated neglect by the AFN.
Among her grievances, Ofili reportedly referenced her omission from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite being a top contender. She also pointed to her missed opportunity at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, blaming it on administrative failures related to doping test confirmations by the federation.
“She said she missed the Tokyo Olympics because AFN failed to confirm her required doping tests. Then again, in Paris, she wasn’t registered for the 100m event and had to settle for the 200m, finishing sixth,” Raynor explained.
Ofili now joins a growing list of top Nigerian athletes who have sought competitive opportunities under new flags. Past examples include Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar).
As of the time of this report, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has not issued an official response regarding Ofili’s reported switch to Turkey.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | June 22, 2025
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