Nigeria sprinter, Favour Ofili, has confirmed she is switching allegiance to Turkey, bringing an end to her long-running fued with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, PUNCH Online reports.
Reflecting on the move in a post via her Instagram page on Monday, Ofili said her decision followed months of reflection after a turbulent cycle in which she felt let down by the Nigerian federation.
She explained that while she was proud of her career in Nigerian colours, repeated disappointments had left her with little choice.
“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions.
“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 reaching the Olympic 200 metres final,” she said.
Ofili added that neglect from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, particularly during the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, had contributed to her decision.
She stressed, however, that her switch was not financially motivated.
“While that means sitting out this year’s championships in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives.
“I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
“I also appreciate the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor and loved ones during this difficult time,” she said.
Her announcement comes after the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, admitted the federation was struggling to prevent the exodus of elite athletes due to poor funding.
He confirmed Ofili’s switch during the National Athletics Championships in Lagos, warning that more athletes could follow suit unless urgent financial support arrived.
Okowa said countries like Turkey had stepped up efforts to recruit foreign talent, offering substantial incentives.
“The kind of money they put on the table to get her is not something many athletes would refuse.
“That is why we are pleading with Nigeria as a nation and our government to come out and support us, so we don’t keep losing our athletes,” he said.
Ofili’s decision mirrors previous high-profile departures, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie and Femi Ogunode, who also left Nigeria to represent other nations.
Ofili will sit out the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as she completes the switch, before beginning the next phase of her career in Turkish colours.
