BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
IN a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Monday night, Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has officially confirmed her decision to switch nationalities and represent Turkey in future competitions.
The 22-year-old athlete, known for her explosive speed in the 200-meter dash, described the move as a “new chapter” driven by personal growth and past disappointments with Nigerian athletics officials.
Ofili’s announcement comes after a stellar 2025 season that she called a “whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions.” In her post, she reflected on racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from top competitors.
“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey,” she wrote.
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won SIX gold medals, TWO silver medals and TWO bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympic (Tokyo/Paris). I have made this decision..”
The sprinter emphasized that the change stems from “the heart, not from financial motives.” She expressed excitement about discovering a new home in Turkey and gratitude for the support from her coach, agent, sponsor Adidas, and loved ones during this “difficult time.”
This switch means Ofili will sit out this year’s championship in Tokyo, as she transitions to her new national team. Her career highlights include competing in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, where administrative issues with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) reportedly left her unregistered for key events despite qualifying.
These experiences appear to have played a pivotal role in her choice.
Ofili’s move adds to a growing trend of African athletes seeking opportunities elsewhere due to systemic challenges in their home federations.
She joins other Nigerian-born talents who have switched allegiances in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about athlete welfare and governance in Nigerian sports.
