The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it had no role in the decision by World Athletics to block Favour Ofili’s request to switch nationality to Turkey.
Speaking to TheCable, AFN spokesperson, Maxwell Kumoye dismissed claims that the federation influenced the outcome, insisting the ruling was based on independent findings by World Athletics.
On Thursday, World Athletics’ national review panel rejected Ofili’s application to represent the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF). She was among 11 foreign athletes whose allegiance-switch requests were submitted by Turkey — all of which were denied.
Kumoye said Ofili’s case was not singled out, noting that the same criteria applied to athletes from Jamaica, Kenya, and Ukraine whose applications were also rejected.
According to him, World Athletics based its decision on key principles including the need to promote talent development within countries, protect opportunities for homegrown athletes, and preserve fairness and integrity in global competition.
He argued that the policy contrasts with football’s more flexible nationality rules, which he said often deprive countries like Nigeria of top talents who later represent European nations.
Ofili began the process of switching allegiance in 2025, following a series of disputes with Nigerian athletics authorities. She notably missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to administrative lapses around doping requirements and was also excluded from the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite qualifying.
The 23-year-old sprinter remains one of Nigeria’s brightest track stars, having set a world record in the women’s 150m in May 2025.
Kumoye added that the AFN plans to engage Ofili in the coming days in a bid to persuade her to continue representing Nigeria, with upcoming opportunities including the African Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, Turkey is expected to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
