World Athletics Blocks Favour Ofili’s Nationality Switch to Turkey

World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to change the international allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, dealing a setback to the athlete’s planned nationality switch ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision was issued by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, which ruled that the request submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved.

The three-member panel, comprising Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert, stated that granting the application would undermine key regulatory principles guiding international athletics.

The panel noted that the request was part of a wider recruitment drive involving multiple athletes and raised concerns about the integrity of global competitions. Submissions from both the athlete and the Turkish federation were reviewed before the final conclusion.

“The Application by the TAF for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” the panel stated.

World Athletics explained that under its eligibility rules, it retains discretionary powers to reject nationality switches where broader institutional objectives are threatened. Approving the move, the panel said, would compromise efforts to maintain fair competition and encourage nations to develop homegrown talent.

The panel also highlighted that Turkey’s application was one of 11 submitted as part of a government-backed recruitment drive. The drive reportedly offered foreign athletes lucrative contracts to boost the country’s competitiveness at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

According to the panel’s findings, such a strategy risks weakening the credibility of national representation by encouraging athletes to switch allegiance primarily for financial or competitive gain rather than genuine national ties.

While the panel reviewed Ofili’s grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities, it concluded that those issues did not outweigh the broader regulatory concerns. The sprinter last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has since acquired Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract, and indicated plans to relocate. However, these developments were not sufficient to justify approval under existing rules.

“Because the application is not approved, the athlete is not entitled to transfer allegiance to TAF and is not eligible to represent Turkey in national representative competitions,” the document added.

The ruling clarified that Ofili remains free to compete in international meetings in a personal or club capacity and may continue to live and train in Turkey if she chooses.

Ofili, 23, announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of her career by Nigerian athletics authorities. She is one of Nigeria’s top sprinters and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.