Global athletics body, World Athletics, has rejected a request by Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili to change her sporting nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.
The decision, announced in an official document released on Thursday, deals a major setback to the athlete, who had hoped to compete for Turkey at the 2028 Olympic Games.
According to the ruling, the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation was turned down after careful review by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel. The panel said approving the request would go against key rules guiding athlete nationality changes in international sports.
“The application by the TAF for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” the panel stated clearly in its decision.
The panel consisted of experienced officials, including Donna Raynor, Cydonie Mothersill, and Susanne van Waert, who reviewed the circumstances surrounding the request before reaching a conclusion.
Although full details of the application were not made public, the panel noted that granting the switch could undermine important principles designed to regulate fairness and integrity in global athletics.
Nationality changes in athletics are strictly controlled to prevent abuse of the system. Athletes seeking to represent another country must meet certain requirements, including waiting periods, consent from their home federation, and proof that the switch is genuine and not driven by competitive advantage alone.
For Ofili, the decision means she remains eligible only to compete for Nigeria for now, unless a future application meets all conditions set by World Athletics.
The development has sparked discussions within Nigeria’s sports community, where athlete transfers to other countries have become a growing concern in recent years.
Many Nigerian athletes have in the past switched allegiance to other countries, often citing better training facilities, improved welfare, and stronger support systems abroad. Countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have increasingly attracted athletes from Africa with promises of financial incentives and access to world-class infrastructure.
However, global sports bodies have tightened rules in recent years to reduce the trend and ensure that nationality changes are not used to gain unfair competitive advantage.
Ofili is one of Nigeria’s brightest track talents. She has represented the country in several international competitions and is widely seen as a key figure in Nigeria’s sprinting future. Her performances on the track have earned her recognition both locally and internationally, raising expectations about her potential at major events such as the Olympics and World Championships.
Her attempt to switch allegiance to Turkey is believed to be linked to broader concerns about athlete welfare and preparation. Like many Nigerian athletes, she has faced challenges related to funding, training conditions, and administrative issues.
Nigeria has long struggled with sports administration, with athletes sometimes complaining about delayed payments, poor planning, and lack of adequate support during major competitions. These issues have occasionally affected performance and morale, leading some athletes to consider representing other countries.
In recent years, there have been high-profile cases of Nigerian athletes changing nationality, especially in athletics and weightlifting. This trend has raised questions about how to improve the system and retain top talents.
For Nigeria, the decision could be seen as an opportunity to retain one of its top athletes, but it also puts pressure on sports authorities to address the concerns that may have led to the attempted switch.
Meanwhile, the focus will now shift to Ofili’s next move. It remains unclear whether she will appeal the decision or continue to compete for Nigeria with renewed commitment.
With the 2028 Olympics still some years away, there may be room for further developments. However, any future attempt to change nationality would still have to meet the strict requirements set by World Athletics.
For now, the ruling stands as a clear decision that reinforces existing regulations in global athletics, while also drawing attention to the challenges faced by athletes, especially in developing countries.