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The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it is taking proactive steps to address growing concerns over athlete welfare, in the wake of reports that sprint sensation Favour Ofili may have switched allegiance to Turkey.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, acknowledged that while the federation has not received official confirmation from either Ofili or World Athletics, the development has sparked urgent discussions about the treatment and management of elite Nigerian athletes.
“What we’ve read so far remains speculation, but if it turns out to be true, then Nigeria must step up when it comes to the welfare of athletes,” Okowa said in a recent interview.
Ofili, 22, who recently set a world record in the rarely run 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, is reportedly frustrated with systemic issues in Nigerian athletics. According to Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor, the Louisiana State University (LSU) star athlete cited administrative lapses—particularly those that affected her Olympic appearances in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—as part of the reasons behind her decision to seek a change of allegiance.
“We’re hearing that even countries in the Arab world are now doing what Turkey is doing,” Okowa warned. “The concern is not just about Ofili, it’s about the others we haven’t heard about yet.”
While World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete and the Turkish Athletics Federation has yet to make any official declaration, the uncertainty surrounding her international status casts a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
The AFN president revealed that he had made several efforts to reach out to Ofili directly but has been met with silence.
“We had a strong relationship, even with her family. But suddenly, she blocked everyone. That’s when I knew something was wrong,” Okowa said.
He also acknowledged the broader trend of African athletes being lured by lucrative offers from other countries, citing past cases involving Nigerian stars such as Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar), all of whom achieved significant success under new national flags.
“We’ve seen this before. Countries are offering money and citizenship. Nigeria isn’t the only country being targeted—Jamaicans, Kenyans, and others are in talks too. This is the reality now,” Okowa noted.
Turkey has reportedly intensified efforts to recruit foreign athletes, with offers said to include citizenship and financial incentives worth up to $500,000.
In the face of this growing exodus, the AFN says it is reevaluating its approach to athlete management, welfare, and incentives—emphasizing the urgent need for a more sustainable, athlete-focused structure.
“If Nigeria can invest more in its athletes—emotionally, financially, and structurally—it will go a long way in keeping our talents at home,” Okowa concluded.
As the countdown to the 2025 World Championships continues, the potential absence of Ofili, one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects, could prove costly—not just in terms of medals, but in the country’s broader athletics narrative.