World Athletics has turned down an আবেদন by Turkey to change the sporting nationality of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, dealing a significant blow to her plans ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision followed a review by the organisation’s Nationality Review Panel, which ruled against the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation. The panel concluded that approving the request would go against key regulations governing international athletics.
In its findings, the panel stated that the move was part of a wider recruitment effort involving several athletes, raising concerns about fairness and the integrity of global competitions. It warned that such actions could weaken the credibility of national representation.
According to the report, Turkey’s submission was one of 11 applications tied to what was described as a government-backed initiative aimed at attracting foreign athletes with lucrative offers to strengthen its chances for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The panel noted that this trend could encourage athletes to switch allegiance for financial or competitive reasons rather than genuine national connections.
While acknowledging Ofili’s dissatisfaction with Nigerian athletics authorities, the panel maintained that her concerns did not outweigh broader institutional principles. It added that although she last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has since obtained Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term deal, and planned relocation, these factors were not sufficient to approve the switch under existing rules.
As a result of the decision, Ofili remains ineligible to compete for Turkey in international events. However, she can still participate in competitions independently or at club level and is free to live and train in Turkey.
The 23-year-old sprinter had earlier announced her intention to change allegiance in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with how her career was handled by Nigerian athletics authorities. Despite the setback, she remains one of Nigeria’s top track prospects and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.