“Why I Am Dumping Nigeria for Turkey” – Favour Ofili Speaks Out
Nigerian-born sprint star Favour Ofili has confirmed she is switching nationality from Nigeria to Turkey, citing repeated neglect and poor treatment by Nigerian athletics authorities.
The 22-year-old, who competes in the 100m, 150m, and 200m, made the announcement on Monday via a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
“I’ve Had Enough” – Ofili Explains Her Decision
Ofili, born in Port Harcourt, said her decision to leave Nigeria was not easy but necessary after being let down multiple times by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).
She wrote:
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way – winning six gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. I was even a 200m Olympic finalist. But I’ve also faced the biggest disappointments because of how I was treated by AFN and NOC.”
Ofili missed out on competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after Nigerian officials failed to inform her in time about drug testing requirements. Four years later, she was again sidelined from the Paris 2024 Olympics after Nigeria failed to submit her name for the 100m event.
These repeated administrative errors pushed her to take what she described as a “big decision”.
“This Is From the Heart, Not About Money”
Ofili made it clear that her choice to represent Turkey was not financially motivated.
“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey.”
Not the First to Walk Away
Ofili now joins a growing list of top Nigerian athletes who have switched allegiances due to poor management at home. In the 2000s, Gloria Alozie (hurdler) and Francis Obikwelu (sprinter) also dumped Nigeria to represent Spain and Portugal respectively—both going on to achieve great success internationally.
A New Chapter
Despite the heartbreak, Ofili says she is excited for what’s ahead:
“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible. I’m starting a new chapter representing Turkey.”
Favour Ofili leaves Nigeria with an impressive record and high hopes for her future—just not under the Nigerian flag.
