Re-election of Officials Linked To Olympic Error Fueled Ofili’s Move To Turkey

Re-election of Officials Linked To Olympic Error Fueled Ofili’s Move To Turkey

By Our Reporter 

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has defended her decision to switch allegiance to Turkey, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard her career after what she termed repeated administrative failures by Nigerian sports authorities, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In an interview with The Guardian, Ofili said the re-election of officials she holds responsible for her inability to compete in the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics was the final trigger in her decision to leave. She insisted she has no regrets.

Her comments came in response to reports that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had indicated she would not be released to compete for Turkey at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Ofili said her decision was aimed at preventing a repeat of past disappointments, accusing Nigerian officials of demonstrating a lack of capacity through what she described as reckless and unprofessional conduct. According to her, she has moved to a system where elite athletes are treated with professionalism and respect, rather than one where careers are jeopardized by administrative lapses.

Reflecting on previous Olympic setbacks, Ofili pointed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where several Nigerian athletes were ruled ineligible due to compliance failures, as the beginning of her disillusionment. She also cited the Paris Games, where she was not registered for her event despite qualifying.

“They set up a panel to unravel the circumstances, but nothing happened afterwards. The same officials were given a fresh mandate to continue with their blunder. So, I had to run to save my career. It was never about the money,” she said, speaking through her coach, Dennis Shaver.

Shaver dismissed suggestions that Ofili’s move was financially motivated, stressing the emotional toll of missing two Olympic cycles due to administrative negligence. He referenced findings by an investigative committee established under former Sports Minister John Enoh, which reportedly identified elements of negligence in the handling of the Paris situation.

Ofili also responded to comments by former Olympic medalist Mary Onyali, who previously said she declined opportunities to change allegiance out of loyalty to Nigeria. Ofili maintained that circumstances differ, noting she had been denied the opportunity to compete at the highest level through no fault of her own.

Her decision comes amid a broader trend of Nigerian athletes opting to represent other nations, including Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain. Among recent departures are Favour Ashe and Sunday Akitan. Akitan is currently ranked the second-fastest man in the world over 60m this year with a time of 6.48 seconds, behind Jordan Anthony, who clocked 6.43 seconds.

Concerns over athlete welfare have persisted in recent years. World champion hurdler Tobi Amusan publicly criticised inadequate kit provisions at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, while shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi revealed he was issued only one competition kit at the Tokyo Olympics.

Elite athletes have also raised concerns about training grants reportedly ranging between $4,000 and $5,000, far below the six-figure support packages available to top competitors elsewhere.

Shaver said he has consistently encouraged Nigerian athletes to represent their country with pride, but acknowledged that Ofili’s emotional exhaustion and fear of further setbacks made her decision understandable.

“It is not a rejection of Nigeria, but rather a response to repeated heartbreak,” he said.

Ofili’s switch of allegiance, alongside the growing list of departures, underscores mounting concerns about governance and athlete management in Nigerian athletics — challenges that critics warn could continue to drive top talent abroad.