AFN expresses shock over Ofili’s alleged switch to Turkey

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed shock over the reported switch of allegiance by one of the country’s top female athletes, Favour Ofili, who has allegedly opted to represent Turkey.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in a chat with the media on Sunday, said he and his newly elected board, like many Nigerians and sports lovers, only heard about Ofili’s decision through the media. “If this is true, it is sad, disheartening, and painful. However, we have not received any official communication from her or from World Athletics (WA),” he said.

Okowa described Ofili as a promising athlete with great potential, adding that the AFN and the National Sports Commission (NSC) had already paid her training grant for 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to support top athletes and revive athletics in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the 22-year-old athlete has avoided all attempts by the Federation to reach her, and efforts to reconcile with her following the Paris Olympics 100m omission have been unsuccessful.

“From the moves we made to get her fully prepared and back to the athletics family, it is clear she had been planning her move to Turkey. She is old enough to make her own decisions, but it is painful for us,” Okowa added.

Despite the disappointment, Okowa emphasized that the AFN harbours no ill feelings toward her. “She is still our child, sister, and daughter. We wish her well,” he said.

He also issued an apology to Nigerians, the NSC, and global fans of Nigerian athletics, stating that the Federation is saddened by the development and remains committed to rebuilding the sport.

Although reports of her nationality switch have circulated, World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian. Since she has not competed for Nigeria at the Olympics, the transfer to Turkey would take a minimum of three years to be completed.