Nigeria has suffered a major blow to its athletics prospects as Favour Ofili, one of the country’s most decorated sprinters and the current 150m world record holder, has officially switched her sporting allegiance to Turkey.
According to Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor, the move was finalised on May 31, 2025, and formally communicated to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Raynor, citing sources at TVJ News Centre, disclosed the switch on Saturday via his X account, revealing that the decision stemmed from what he described as “persistent frustrations” with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
“Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted. “She has embraced Turkish citizenship after being repeatedly sidelined by Nigerian sports authorities.”
Ofili’s departure comes just months ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she had been tipped as a medal contender for Nigeria.
