By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has welcomed sprint star Favour Ofili back into its fold, signalling a reset in relations between the athlete and the federation.
The move follows a recent decision by World Athletics to reject Ofili’s application to switch allegiance to Türkiye, after reviewing multiple requests linked to agovernment-backed recruitment drive ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Although her personal circumstances including participation at the 2024 Summer Olympics were considered, the request was ultimately denied, thereby retaining her eligibility for Nigeria.
Reacting, AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed satisfaction with the development, emphasising the need for unity and collective backing. He stated that the priority is to create the right environment for the 100m and 200m specialist to thrive.
According to him, Ofili needs “love, support, encouragement, and more love” from stakeholders, highlighting the critical role of sustained backing in athlete performance and development.
The federation described the moment as pivotal, as it seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen ties with athletes ahead of major international competitions.
The World Athletics maintained that approving such transfers could undermine the integrity of national competitions, discourage the growth of homegrown talent, and displace local athletes with recruited competitors concerns that ultimately shaped its decision.
Consequently, while Ofili may still compete in other capacities, she remains ineligible to represent Türkiye at global championships, reinforcing her status as a Nigerian international.
Ultimately, the AFN expressed optimism that renewed support from officials, fans, and the wider athletics community will help Ofili maximise her potential and strengthen Nigeria’s sprinting prospects on the global stage.
