World Athletics has rejected Turkey’s bid to secure the allegiance switch of Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili, blocking the 23-year-old from representing the European nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond.
The decision, handed down on Thursday by the governing body’s Nationality Review Panel, cited concerns over a broader Turkish recruitment drive involving multiple athletes and its potential threat to the integrity of international competition.2c018f
In a formal ruling, the panel — comprising Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill and Susanne van Waert — declared: “The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.”
The panel reviewed submissions from Ofili, the Türkiye Athletics Federation (TAF) and other parties before concluding that approving the switch would undermine key regulatory principles aimed at preserving fair play and encouraging nations to nurture homegrown talent.
World Athletics noted that Turkey’s request formed part of 11 similar applications submitted as part of what it described as a government-backed effort to attract foreign athletes with lucrative contracts ahead of the 2028 Games.
“Approving the move would compromise those objectives, particularly those aimed at maintaining fair competition and encouraging nations to develop homegrown talent,” the panel stated, warning that such practices risk weakening the credibility of national representation by prioritising financial or competitive incentives over genuine ties.
Ofili, who last competed for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025, citing frustrations with the management of her career by Nigerian athletics authorities. The sprinter, who set a world record in the 150m in 2025, had already acquired Turkish citizenship and signed a long-term contract with plans to relocate.
Despite acknowledging her grievances, the panel ruled that personal issues did not outweigh broader concerns about systematic athlete recruitment.
“Because the Application is not approved, the Athlete is not entitled to transfer allegiance to TAF and is not eligible to represent TUR in National Representative Competitions,” the document added.
Officials stressed, however, that Ofili remains free to compete in non-national international meetings in a personal or club capacity and can continue living and training in Turkey.
The ruling comes as a setback for Ofili’s Olympic ambitions under Turkish colours and is expected to keep her eligible to represent Nigeria, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria reportedly welcoming the decision.
World Athletics retains discretionary powers under its eligibility rules to reject nationality transfers when they are seen to conflict with the sport’s wider institutional goals.
