Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has begun the process of switching allegiance to Turkey, blaming years of neglect and repeated errors by Nigerian sports officials.
Ofili made her decision after the AFN and NOC failed to submit her name for the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite her meeting the qualifying time just as they did in Tokyo 2020.
Sources say poor handling by Nigerian officials pushed Ofili to seek better opportunities in Turkey.
She held personal bests of 10.93s in the 100m and 21.96s in the 200m, making her a top medal hopeful.
Her move has sparked outrage, with many calling it a shameful reflection of Nigeria’s poor athlete management.
“This is a big shame,” said a former athletics coach. “You don’t lose an athlete like Favour Ofili over basic administrative duties. We’ve failed her.”
If approved, Ofili’s transfer will add her to the growing list of Nigerian athletes who now compete for other nations after years of frustration at home.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee have yet to release an official statement on the matter.
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