Favour Ofili has switched allegiance from Nigeria, deepening the ongoing crisis of talent flight in the country’s athletics scene.
Ofili’s decision is believed to be tied to a string of unresolved issues with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), including administrative errors that cost her international appearances and drew public criticism from the star athlete.
Favour Ofili’s confirmed switch to Turkey was announced by the AFN president, Tonobok Okowa, during a press briefing at the 2025 National Athletics Championships in Lagos.
Favour Ofili’s exit is seen as another major blow to Nigeria’s athletics prospects, especially ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. According to the AFN boss, Ofili’s move, is said to have been motivated by a lucrative financial offer from Turkey.
In recent years, Ofili had openly criticised the AFN after a series of administrative lapses cost her eligibility to compete in global events. Many insiders say her patience may have run out.
AFN boss Okowa admitted the federation is struggling to retain top talent, citing inadequate funding as the primary cause.
“The kind of money some countries offer these athletes is tempting. We’re losing them because we simply can’t match the support they’re being promised elsewhere,” Okowa said, while confirming Ofili’s switch.
Turkey is believed to have offered Ofili up to $500,000 in incentives to join their national team, avfigure far beyond what most Nigerian athletes can expect in their careers back home.
The trend is not new. Nigeria has previously lost the likes of Francis Obikwelu to Portugal, Gloria Alozie to Spain, and Femi Ogunode to Qatar — all athletes who went on to shine on the global stage under different flags.
“This is a wake-up call,” Okowa said. “We need both the government and private sponsors to step in now. If we continue like this, we’ll have nobody left to represent us.”
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