Athletics Federation of Nigeria has moved to fully reintegrate sprint star Favour Ofili into the national team following a ruling by World Athletics that blocked her proposed switch of allegiance to Türkiye.
The global athletics body’s Nationality Review Panel rejected Ofili’s application alongside several others, citing concerns over a broader recruitment strategy by the Turkish Athletics Federation aimed at strengthening its squad ahead of future Olympic Games.
The ruling effectively ends uncertainty around the athlete’s international future and confirms her continued eligibility to compete for Nigeria on the global stage.
Reacting to the development, senior athletics stakeholders, including former Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Solomon Ogba, praised the decision, describing it as a win for fairness in global athletics and for countries that develop talent from grassroots levels.
Ogba argued that the ruling helps protect nations that invest heavily in nurturing athletes from losing them to wealthier countries offering financial incentives once they reach elite status.
He also advised athletes to consider long-term career development within their home countries, noting that national systems often provide post-retirement opportunities in coaching, administration, and sports governance.
Meanwhile, AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed satisfaction with Ofili’s return and called for renewed support, emphasizing the need to create a conducive environment that enables her to achieve her full potential.
The federation stated that with the transfer request denied, Ofili remains committed to representing Nigeria and will now receive full institutional backing moving forward.
