The nationality review panel of World Athletics has reached its verdict: Favor Ofili will not be able to represent Turkey. In a formal decision, of which Sport News Africa is aware, the world governing body for athletics has formally rejected the Nigerian’s request for allegiance switch.
Favor Ofili in limbo. Eager not to run under the colors of Nigeria after the organizational fiasco of her federation at the 2024 Olympics, the sprinter has taken steps to represent Turkey, which attracted attention at her. But this approach has just come to a serious halt. Referred by the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF), the World Athletics commission rejected the request, according to information from Sport News Africa.
According to the document, which is based in particular on Rule 4.4.2 of the eligibility regulations, the panel considered that approving this transfer would be tantamount to “compromising the imperatives” underlying the rules governing the transfer of nationality. World Athletics has the discretionary power to block these movements if there is a suspicion of circumvention of regulatory principles or if the interests of sport are threatened.
Forced marriage with Nigeria
While she expected to be able to compete under her new colors for this outdoor season, this rejection marks another disappointment for Ofili, who had publicly expressed her desire to leave the Nigerian banner after several administrative disputes with her home federation, culminating in an involuntary absence from the 100m events at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a lack of registration.
Consequence: Ofili remains officially an athlete representing Nigeria for all major competitions under the auspices of World Athletics. The decision specifies, however, that she can continue to train in Turkey, live there and participate in one-day meetings (such as the Diamond League) on a personal basis or under the colors of a club.
Nigeria takes over
If this decision is like a defeat for the 23-year-old sprinter, she has already obtained Turkish nationality and signed a lucrative club contract, allowing her to refine the preparation of her season. On the other hand, it has a taste of diplomatic victory for Nigeria, which had opposed this departure.
In particular, Nigerian sports authorities argued that the athlete had benefited from national preparation grants recently, making an immediate transfer illegal under the usual waiting periods, often set at three years. For now, one of the fastest sprinter in Africa finds herself in an institutional imbroglio, while the 2026 season is in full swing.
Source: sportnewsafrica