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Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili may find herself sidelined from global athletics for up to three years after reportedly opting to switch national allegiance to Turkey.
The 21-year-old, born in Delta State, has long been one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects on the track. But after years of representing the green and white, reports now suggest Ofili has chosen to compete under Turkey’s flag, a decision that could trigger a mandatory three-year ban under World Athletics regulations.
Is this a pricey move?
World Athletics’ Rule 4.4.2, mandates a waiting period for athletes who wish to change the country they compete for, especially if they have already represented their former country at major events. ‘
Ofili, who ran for Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics, falls directly under this rule. If the switch to Turkey is confirmed, Ofili could be barred from international competitions until 2027 missing out on both the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and potentially the 2027 edition in Beijing.
The situation adds a complicated layer to her career, particularly because her move reportedly stems from deep frustrations with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), rather than a mere pursuit of better financial terms abroad.
What went wrong in Nigeria?
Sources close to the athlete have hinted at long-standing grievances with the Nigerian athletics administration. Ofili was one of several athletes who missed out on competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the AFN’s failure to meet doping control documentation requirements.
In Paris 2024, she was reportedly not entered for the 100m event despite being qualified, another oversight that some say robbed her of medal potential.
These incidents may be more than just footnotes in her story. If she can prove that her career was damaged by these administrative lapses, she may qualify for a rare exemption.
Hope for an exemption?
World Athletics does make room for “exceptional circumstances” under Rule 4.6. If Ofili can show that systemic mismanagement or negligence on the part of Nigerian officials has hindered her development, she could be granted a waiver or a reduced waiting period.
Crucial to that decision will be evidence of mismanagement and Ofili’s case might just fit the bill. The AFN’s past mistakes, coupled with the fact that she’s still early in her career and seeking stability, could influence the outcome.
World Athletics will also weigh whether Ofili has strong ties to Turkey beyond athletics. These could include residency, cultural integration, or personal relationships.
While Turkey isn’t part of the EU’s freedom of movement area, its sports authorities are reportedly keen to back her switch and may already be working behind the scenes to speed up the process.
Nigeria reacts
Meanwhile, Nigerian officials appear caught off-guard by the development. AFN president Tonobok Okowa has confirmed that the federation has not received any official communication from either Ofili or World Athletics regarding her intention to switch countries.
Nonetheless, the tone from AFN suggests disappointment, not denial.
Ofili’s decision follows a growing trend of Nigerian athletes seeking better support systems abroad, often citing chronic disorganization and poor planning by national sports authorities.
What lies ahead?
For now, Favour Ofili remains in limbo. If her switch to Turkey is processed without exemption, the three-year wait could significantly impact her career momentum.
But if her appeal is successful, she might just escape the full weight of the rule and continue competing at the highest level just not in Nigerian colours.
Either way, the saga raises urgent questions for Nigerian sports officials: How many more talents will slip through the cracks before the system is fixed? And can the AFN afford another high-profile exit?
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