Fans Support Ofili’s Alleged Switch to Turkey as AFN Reacts with Shock

Athletics fans in Nigeria have shown strong support for women’s 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, amid reports of her switch of national allegiance to Turkey.

The development was first reported on Sunday by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor, who stated that Ofili officially completed the switch as of May 31, 2025.

“Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025,” Raynor posted on X (formerly Twitter). “According to impeccable TVJ News Centre sources, the 22-year-old has informed the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation.”

Raynor added that Ofili cited her exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the failure of Nigerian officials to register her for the 100m event at the recent Paris Games as reasons behind her decision. He also clarified that the move was not financially motivated.

In reaction to the news, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, who was recently re-elected for a second term, expressed disbelief and disappointment.