World Athletics has denied Turkey’s request to change the international eligibility of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, halting her attempt to compete under a new flag ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, www.aclsports.com reports.
The global governing body reached its decision after reviewing a series of requests submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation, stressing that such approvals could undermine the credibility of national team competitions. It also raised concerns over what it described as an organised effort to recruit foreign-born athletes to strengthen squads for future international events.
Ofili began the nationality switch process in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of her career by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), alongside what she described as administrative shortcomings and neglect.
Despite obtaining Turkish citizenship and agreeing to a lucrative club contract, the ruling means she remains ineligible to represent Turkey at major competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
She is, however, still eligible to compete in international meets in an individual or club capacity and may continue to live and train in Turkey if she chooses.
There remains a possibility of appeal, with the sprinter able to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The development leaves Ofili’s international future uncertain, as one of Nigeria’s leading sprint talents remains unable to complete a high-profile nationality switch.
