World Athletics Halts Favour Ofili’s Nationality Switch to Turkey

World Athletics Halts Favour Ofili’s Nationality Switch to Turkey

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has been blocked from changing her athletic allegiance to Turkey after World Athletics rejected her application for the transfer, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 21-year-old, born and raised in Nigeria, had begun the process of switching nationalities following a reported breakdown in her relationship with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Ofili’s move comes against the backdrop of long-standing grievances among Nigerian athletes, who have repeatedly voiced concerns over poor welfare support, administrative lapses, and inadequate structures within the federation.

In a decision announced on Thursday, the global governing body declined to approve the switch, meaning Ofili remains ineligible to compete internationally for Turkey in the foreseeable future.

World Athletics did not publicly state the specific reasons for the rejection, but such applications are governed by strict eligibility criteria, including mandatory waiting periods and formal agreements between the involved national federations.

As things stand, Ofili’s international future remains uncertain.

 She continues to be listed as representing Nigeria, while tensions with the Nigerian athletics authorities show no immediate signs of resolution.