The World Athletics has rejected ’s bid to change Favour Ofili’s sporting nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed the decision in a statement on Thursday.
World Athletics’ national review panel dismissed Ofili’s application, citing concerns over recruitment practices by the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF). The panel said the move formed part of efforts to “induce recruited athletes to switch nationality abruptly and primarily for mercenary reasons.”
Turkey had submitted applications for eleven foreign athletes, including Ofili, seeking approval to change allegiance.
In its ruling, World Athletics said Turkey’s approach undermines the integrity of national competitions and discourages countries from developing local talent. The body added that such recruitment risks replacing homegrown athletes with imported competitors.
Favour Ofili began her nationality switch process in 2025 after accusing Nigerian athletics authorities of neglect and attempting to sabotage her career.
The 23-year-old missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after Nigerian officials failed to notify her of mandatory drug-testing requirements. Another administrative lapse also ruled her out of the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics when the AFN did not submit her name in time.
