World Athletics has confirmed that it has received four athlete transfer applications from the Turkish Athletics Federation, fueling speculation that Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili is among those seeking a nationality switch.
The development comes less than three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, casting uncertainty over Ofili’s immediate international future.
World Athletics Communications Manager Maphuti Hlako confirmed that the organization’s Nationality Review Panel (NRP) is currently handling the transfer requests. “We can confirm that the NRP has received four applications from the Turkish Member Federation requesting athlete transfers. These applications have neither been reviewed as of yet, nor approved by the NRP,” Hlako said.
While Hlako declined to name the athletes involved, multiple sources suggest that 22-year-old Ofili, Nigeria’s fastest-ever female in the 200m, is part of the list. Ofili reportedly filed her application on May 31, 2025, amid growing frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Sources close to the sprinter indicate that Ofili’s decision stems from deep-seated grievances with the AFN, although specific details have yet to be made public
READ MORE: Maduka Okoye in Enugu, reveals plans for Charity Foundation and Football Academy
Under World Athletics rules, athletes switching allegiance must observe a three-year waiting period before representing their new country in international competitions. If Ofili’s application is approved, she would miss the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo and the 2027 edition in Beijing. However, she would become eligible to represent Turkey at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, potentially marking a new chapter in her athletic career.
Favour Ofili.
Ofili, a standout athlete from Louisiana State University (LSU), has previously hinted at institutional challenges faced by elite Nigerian athletes. Her decision to seek a nationality switch has sparked debate about the treatment of athletes in Nigeria and the potential consequences for the country’s athletics program.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The World Athletics NRP will review the transfer requests, and a decision will be made regarding Ofili’s eligibility to represent Turkey in international competitions.
If approved, Ofili would face a three-year waiting period before competing for her new country. The outcome will have significant implications for Ofili’s athletic career and the Nigerian athletics program as a whole.
