LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian sports authorities have initiated decisive action to prevent elite sprinter Favour Ofili from changing her competitive nationality to Turkey. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has formally communicated its position to World Athletics, asserting that the athlete must remain available for Nigerian selection until at least September 2028.
The development follows revelations by Nigerian track icon Mary Onyali regarding multiple offers she declined to represent other nations during her distinguished career. Ofili, who announced her intention to switch allegiances last year, is considered one of Nigeria’s most promising athletic talents.
A senior NSC official confirmed to The Guardian that Ofili remains formally registered as a Nigerian competitor. ‘She was among elite athletes who received training grants from the NSC last year,’ the official stated. ‘It is not feasible for her to transfer allegiance to Turkey under current circumstances.’
The commission has conducted extensive review of the situation and established that any potential nationality change would require waiting until the conclusion of the current competitive cycle. ‘If Ofili desires to represent another nation, she must wait until September 2028. We have communicated our position to World Athletics,’ the official emphasized.
Ofili holds Nigeria’s national record in the 200m event and has represented the country at numerous premier competitions including the 2019 Youth Olympics, World Athletics Championships in Doha (2019) and Budapest (2023), the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The NSC anticipates her continued representation at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.