Sprinter and 150m world record holder Favour Ofili has been linked with a switch of allegiance to Turkey, just three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The development was first reported by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor, who stated on X that the 22-year-old Nigerian informed the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of her decision due to frustrations with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
“Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025. According to impeccable TVJ News centre sources, 22-year-old Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted.
He further explained that Ofili cited two major grievances: her absence from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and her omission from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Games.
“Ofili stated that the Nigerian Athletics Federation caused her to miss the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after they did not confirm her number of doping control tests, and then missed competing in the 100m at the Paris Olympics after they did not enter her for the event. She was sixth in the 200m final,” Raynor added.
He also clarified that Ofili insisted her decision was not financially motivated.
“It’s further understood that Ofili impressed upon the AIU that her switch to Turkey was not for financial reasons,” he said.
Despite the report, World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete on her official profile.
Ofili, one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics prospects, is among those who have qualified for the 2025 World Championships scheduled to hold from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo.
