President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has claimed that star sprinter Favour Ofili’s recent decision to represent Turkey is driven by money, not by neglect as she alleged.
Speaking to ESPN, Okowa responded strongly to Ofili’s public statement that she left due to repeated disappointment from Nigerian sports authorities. He said both the athlete and World Athletics had officially notified the federation of her decision.
“They have officially informed us. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself,” Okowa confirmed.
But the AFN president dismissed her reasons as excuses, insisting that financial benefits from Turkey were the real motivation. “Ofili herself knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are trying to make some money,” Okowa stated.
Favour Ofili, 22, had stunned fans last week when she announced on social media that she would no longer compete for Nigeria but would now represent Turkey. Ofili, who holds the women’s world record in the rarely run 150m event, blamed years of frustration with Nigerian sports officials as her reason for switching allegiance.
In her statement, she highlighted her exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to missed tests and the failure to register her for the 100m event at Paris 2024 as key moments that pushed her to the breaking point.
“I have made this decision. While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives,” she said.
But Okowa has firmly rejected this explanation.
“I don’t see anything wrong with her going. She’s an adult, she can make her own decisions. But she should stop blaming the federation. These things she’s saying are not true,” he said.
He added that Ofili’s decision mirrors a pattern seen among athletes from other countries like Kenya and Jamaica, who have also switched to Turkey in recent years, often for better pay, opportunities, or support.
“Okay, the Kenyans and Jamaicans that are going to Turkey, what reasons do they have? Let her go in peace. She has the right to make her decision,” Okowa said, urging her to stop dragging the AFN’s name.
Ofili’s defection adds to the growing list of Nigerian athletes who have turned their backs on the green and white jersey in favour of other nations with stronger support systems, more funding, and better infrastructure. Over the years, athletes like Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany), Femi Ogunode (Qatar), and Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain) have all changed nationalities and gone on to shine internationally.
Observers say the latest controversy brings back questions about how Nigeria treats its sports stars, particularly in athletics. Many have criticised the mismanagement and lack of planning by Nigerian sports authorities, which they say have caused avoidable blunders and heartbreak for athletes.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nigeria made international headlines for all the wrong reasons after 10 of its athletes were disqualified for failing to meet anti-doping testing requirements. Favour Ofili was one of those affected. The incident sparked outrage at the time, with athletes protesting on social media over the embarrassment.
The Paris 2024 Games were expected to be a chance for redemption, but the reported failure to properly register Ofili in the 100m event added salt to the injury.
While Okowa insists the athlete left purely for financial reasons, others believe her frustration is valid. “You can’t blame someone for wanting better,” said a former Nigerian sprinter who now works as a coach abroad. “Athletes train for years for just one shot at the Olympics. When your own country blocks that, it’s hard to stay loyal.”
Still, Okowa maintains his stance: “She has made her decision. We wish her well, but let’s not twist the truth. This is not about the Olympics or neglect. It’s about money.”
With Ofili now representing Turkey, Nigeria loses one of its brightest young talents at a time when the country desperately needs global success in track and field. The conversation now shifts to whether sports authorities will fix the cracks or continue to lose more stars to foreign nations.
