Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili may have to wait up to three years before she can compete internationally for Turkey, following her reported decision to switch allegiance, in a move that has reignited debate over athlete welfare and systemic failures in Nigerian sports.
According to World Athletics’ eligibility regulations, athletes switching national representation are typically subject to a mandatory three-year waiting period unless a waiver or expedited clearance is granted under exceptional circumstances.
The 22-year-old track sensation, who represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is believed to be seeking a fresh start after years of disappointment with the administrative lapses and neglect from Nigerian athletics officials. Though the switch has yet to be officially confirmed, speculation has mounted amid her absence from recent Nigerian team activities.
Ofili’s decision has sparked widespread conversation among sports stakeholders and fans, with many pointing to Nigeria’s chronic mishandling of elite athletes as a driving force behind her reported move.
The sprint queen has already left an indelible mark in Nigerian athletics history, holding the national 200m record at 21.96 seconds—a time that eclipsed Blessing Okagbare’s long-standing mark and positioned Ofili among the world’s elite sprinters.
While she continues to train and compete professionally, Ofili will be ineligible to represent Turkey in international meets such as the World Championships and Olympic Games until the three-year window lapses—unless she secures an exemption from World Athletics.
The development comes at a time when several Nigerian athletes have either voiced frustration or sought better support systems abroad, highlighting deep-rooted issues within the country’s sports governance structures.
As of press time, neither the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) nor Turkish athletics authorities have released an official statement confirming the switch. However, the growing silence from Nigerian officials has only added to public speculation and criticism over the nation’s repeated failure to retain its top talent.
