Favour Ofili, the world record holder in the women’s 150m, has openly accused the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) of negligence during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This frustration and disappointment were key factors behind her decision to switch athletic allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey.
Although rumors surrounding her nationality change surfaced nearly three months ago, the 22-year-old officially confirmed her move on Monday, September 1, 2025. This announcement came just a day after the AFN unveiled Nigeria’s team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Ofili’s departure marks a significant blow to Nigerian athletics, especially considering her prominence and potential. Her decision underscores deeper issues within Nigeria’s sports administration that, according to her, have hindered athletes from reaching their full potential
“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible,” she posted via her Instagram account.
She wrote further: “As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey. I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way, having won six gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals in championship meets and a 200m Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympic (Tokyo/Paris).
“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. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for all the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor adidas and my loved ones during this difficult time.”
Ofili was one of ten Nigerian athletes barred from competing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after missing required competition tests.
Her challenges persisted in Paris, where she was not registered for the women’s 100m event.
Meanwhile, the Turkish athletics federation has been actively recruiting athletes this year, including Jamaicans, reportedly offering up to $500,000 to persuade foreign competitors to change their allegiance to Turkey.
Due to administrative shortcomings, Nigeria has seen numerous talented athletes like Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany), Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar), among others, leave the country to represent other nations and achieve international success.
On a personal level, Ofili has enjoyed a strong season. She made her Diamond League debut and created history at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in May by setting a new world record in the 150m, finishing in 15.85 seconds and breaking the previous mark of 16.23 seconds set by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
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