Track and field athlete Favour Ofili has announced her switch of nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.
The 22-year-old who major in 100m, 150m and 200m events announced the switch via a post on her Instagram on Monday.
It was earlier reported in July that the 22-year-old was on the verge of switching her nationality to Turkey following long-standing issues with the country’s athletics authorities.
Ofili could not take part at Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to failure of the Nigerian Olympic authorities to update her about the minimum drug-testing requirement to compete at the event.
Another administrative error prevented Ofili from representing Nigeria in the 100m event at Paris 2024 Olympics with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) failing to submit her name as at when due.
Commenting on why she has decided to switch her allegiance to Turkey, Ofili said: “Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible.
Also Read: Ofili Breaks World Record In Women’s 150m
“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won SIX gold medals, TWO silver medals and TWO bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC towards me. Negligence towards me in Olympic (Tokyo/Paris). I have made this decision.
“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey.”
Meanwhile, other Nigerian athletes who switched allegiance include Francis Obikwelu who dumped Nigeria for Portugal and Gloria Alozie for Spain.
