Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili to Join Turkish National Team: Nigeria Attempts to Block Move

Ofili's Career Decision and Choice of Turkey Renowned Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has announced her intention to continue her career competing for Turkey.
The 23-year-old athlete stated that this decision is driven by a desire to protect her professional future.
"I chose Turkey to save my career.
I believe this is the right time to make the most of the time I have left," Ofili said in a statement.
Strong Objection from the Nigerian National Sports Commission Ofili's decision has caused a significant stir in the Nigerian sports community, leading the National Sports Commission (NSC) to take action to block the transfer.
Commission officials pointed out that Ofili is among the elite athletes provided with government educational scholarships, arguing that the change is not possible under current conditions.
Official Appeal to World Athletics Nigerian authorities have brought the matter to World Athletics, filing an official objection.
The appeal claims that if Ofili wishes to compete for another country, she must be subject to a waiting period until September 2028, citing the state support she received and existing regulations.
A Career Filled with Success A prominent figure in international athletics, Favour Ofili is well-known for her medals in the 200-meter discipline.
The athlete, who finished sixth in the 200-meter final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, also made history as the first female athlete to run the 150-meter distance in under 16 seconds.
Ofili holds the world record in this event with a time of 15.85 seconds.