Afiemo
In a development that has shaken the athletics scene in Nigeria and stirred conversations across the track and field community, Favour Ofili—one of Nigeria’s brightest sprinting talents—has officially switched her international allegiance from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Turkey 🇹🇷.
The decision did not come out of the blue. It is the painful climax of nearly a decade of frustration, heartbreak and administrative neglect—most notably at the hands of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Favour Ofili’s journey has been one of immense promise repeatedly hampered by poor management. For eight years, she dedicated her life to the green and white, training relentlessly and rising through the ranks to become one of the country's most formidable sprinters.
Yet in those eight years, the AFN failed her at critical junctures.
She missed out on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics a dream stage for any athlete due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Again, in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics Ofili was denied the opportunity to compete in the 100m her signature event. Reports suggest she was not properly entered for the race, despite being eligible and ready. It was a stunning oversight and a repeat of history—one that left her visibly broken.
A video that emerged after her disappointing Paris experience showed Ofili in tears, her heartbreak laid bare. And yet, there was no accountability, no apology no leadership from the federation that had failed her again.
Ofili’s decision to represent Turkey is not a betrayal of her roots, but a courageous stand for her career her sanity and her future. It’s a choice born out of necessity—a sprint away from years of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities.
In Turkey, she seeks a fresh start and an environment where her dedication will be matched by competence and support. A place where being an elite athlete does not mean constantly battling systemic dysfunction.
Favour Ofili’s story is bigger than sport. It is a story of resilience in the face of neglect. It’s also a cautionary tale for Nigerian sports administrators. Talents like Ofili don’t come every day. And when they do, they should be nurtured, not neglected. They should be supported, not sidelined.
Ofili’s switch is a loud and clear indictment of the AFN’s consistent failings—and a call for reform. If Nigeria continues to lose world-class athletes to other nations, the question is no longer “why are they leaving?” but rather, “why would they stay?”
Favour Ofili deserves better—and she is finally choosing better. While it is heartbreaking to see the Nigerian flag lose one of its stars, it is heartening to see an athlete take control of her destiny.
We wish her the very best in her new chapter with Turkey. May her feet be swift, her heart light, and her career finally given the platform it deserves.
