AFN President Tonobok Okowa acknowledged how “painful and hard to take” it is for the federation to hear reports that Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili may be switching her international allegiance to Turkey, but said they will not stand in her way, www.aclsports.com reports.
“She is still our child, sister, and daughter,” Okowa said. “But it’s painful and hard to take for us. However, we will not stop her.”
In a statement issued by the AFN, Okowa said that while the development is disappointing, Ofili is entitled to make decisions in her best interest.
“If this is true, it is sad, disheartening, and painful,” he said. “But we are yet to receive any official communication from her or from World Athletics. She is still registered as a Nigerian athlete.”
Ofili’s frustration reportedly stems from repeated administrative failings by the AFN, including her exclusion from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite qualifying, and her disqualification from the Tokyo 2020 Games due to Nigeria’s failure to meet anti-doping compliance requirements.
Despite these setbacks, Okowa said the AFN and the National Sports Commission have taken steps to restore order in Nigerian athletics, including the payment of Ofili’s training grant for the year. However, he suggested that the 22-year-old may have already emotionally committed to representing Turkey.
“She is old enough to decide what’s best for her,” he said.
In a more candid remark, Okowa described Ofili as “difficult to deal with,” alleging that she often avoided national trials and only participated in events that suited her schedule.
Still, the federation ended its statement on a conciliatory note:
“We wish her well in whatever career decision she decides to take.”
If confirmed by World Athletics, Ofili’s switch would add her to a growing list of Nigerian athletes who have opted to represent other countries, often citing frustrations with the nation’s athletics administration.
