World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to switch the allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, dealing a major setback to her proposed nationality change ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision, contained in a document obtained on Thursday, followed a review by the organisation’s Nationality Review Panel.
Ogunvoice reports that the panel, comprising Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert, ruled that the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved.
According to the panel, granting the request would undermine key regulatory principles guiding international athletics.
“The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved,” the panel stated.
The panel explained that the request formed part of a broader recruitment drive involving multiple athletes, raising concerns about fairness and the integrity of global competitions.
It noted that such moves could erode the credibility of national representation.
According to the findings, Turkey’s application was one of 11 submitted as part of what it described as a government-backed recruitment effort aimed at attracting foreign athletes with lucrative contracts to boost its chances at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The panel warned that this strategy risks encouraging athletes to switch allegiance “primarily for financial or competitive advantage rather than genuine national ties.”
While acknowledging Ofili’s grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities, the panel said those concerns did not outweigh broader institutional considerations.
It disclosed that the athlete last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and had since acquired Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract, and indicated plans to relocate.
However, it maintained that these developments were not sufficient grounds for approval under existing eligibility rules.
The document clarified that the rejection means Ofili cannot represent Turkey in international competitions.
“Because the Application is not approved, the Athlete is not entitled to transfer allegiance to TAF and is not eligible to represent TUR in National Representative Competitions,” it stated.
Despite the ruling, World Athletics noted that Ofili remains eligible to compete in international meets in a personal or club capacity.
She is also free to live and train in Turkey if she chooses.
Ogunvoice reports that Ofili had announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of her career by Nigerian athletics authorities.
The 23-year-old sprinter is regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest track talents and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.
