World athletics rejects Favour Ofili’s switch to Turkey

World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to switch the allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The decision was contained in a document released on Thursday. The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel said the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved after reviewing the case.

The panel, made up of Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill and Susanne van Waert, said granting the request would go against regulations guiding international athletics. It noted that the application formed part of a wider recruitment effort involving several athletes.

According to the panel, approving the move could affect the integrity of competitions and the principle of national representation. It added that all submissions, including those from the athlete and the Turkish federation, were considered before a decision was reached.

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“The application by the TAF for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” the panel stated.

World Athletics said it retains the authority to reject nationality changes where broader objectives are at risk. It added that such rules are meant to protect fair competition and encourage the development of local athletes.

The panel also stated that Turkey’s request was one of 11 applications linked to a recruitment plan aimed at attracting foreign athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

It said this approach could weaken national representation by encouraging athletes to switch allegiance for financial or competitive reasons.

Although the panel considered Ofili’s concerns about Nigerian athletics authorities, it said they did not outweigh the regulatory issues involved.

Ofili last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She has since obtained Turkish citizenship and indicated plans to relocate, but these factors were not enough to support the application.

The ruling means she cannot represent Turkey in international competitions, although she remains eligible to compete in meetings as an individual or for a club.

Ofili announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025.

The 23-year-old is among Nigeria’s leading sprinters and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.

World Athletics also confirmed that all 11 applications were rejected, including those involving athletes from Kenya, Jamaica and Russia.