Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has reportedly applied to change her nationality to Turkey, just three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The news was shared by Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor, who revealed on X that the 22-year-old officially submitted her application on May 31. According to sources close to the matter, Ofili made the decision due to growing frustrations with the Nigerian Athletics Federation.
Ofili reportedly told the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) that poor handling by Nigerian officials cost her key opportunities at major events. She missed out on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics because her drug testing records were not confirmed, and was unable to run in the 100m at the Paris Olympics due to an administrative error — even though she competed in the 200m final and finished sixth.
Raynor emphasized that Ofili’s decision was not influenced by financial incentives. “She made it clear to the AIU that money was not her reason for switching allegiance,” he wrote.
Despite her application, World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete. She remains eligible for the World Championships, which will be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo.
Ofili made global headlines last month at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, where she set a new world record in the 150m. Her time of 15.85 seconds broke the previous record of 16.23 seconds held by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
The young sprinter’s move to Turkey could mark a major turning point in her career, as she looks to compete at the highest level without the hurdles she says she faced at home.
