In response to rising speculationFavour Ofili Is Still Nigerian – NSC Boss Dispels Turkey Allegiance Rumour, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has confirmed that Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili remains a Nigerian athlete and has not officially switched allegiance to Turkey.
Speaking during a press engagement in Abuja on June 26, 2025, Olopade clarified that the NSC has received no formal documentation from the athlete or the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirming any such move.
“There has been no official correspondence to the NSC or AFN. Until then, Favour Ofili remains proudly Nigerian,” said Olopade.
— Source: Naira Sports
️ AFN Responds: “We Are Shocked”
The AFN also expressed surprise at media reports suggesting Ofili had filed a request with World Athletics to switch national allegiance. President Tonobok Okowa said the body has not been officially notified, adding that Ofili had recently received her 2025 training grant — a sign of her active standing with Team Nigeria.
Ajunwa Blames Poor Leadership for Athlete Exodus
In reaction to the situation, Olympic gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa lamented the increasing trend of elite Nigerian athletes switching allegiances to foreign countries. She blamed poor leadership and mismanagement for forcing athletes to seek opportunities abroad.
“When you don’t value your own, others will take them,” said Ajunwa.
— Punch NG
Why the Turkey Allegiance Rumour?
The rumour gained traction after several reports claimed that Favour Ofili had begun processes to represent Turkey at future international competitions. This came on the heels of two major disappointments:
- Her omission from the 100m sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite qualifying.
- The failure to register her for the 2020 Tokyo Games, which she had prepared for intensively.
These incidents have reportedly left the 21-year-old sprinter feeling disillusioned with the AFN.
NSC Eyes Future Talent, Urges Development
Olopade used the moment to call for deeper investment in athlete development. He challenged the AFN to discover and nurture “the next Ofili” ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Ofili’s talent didn’t happen by chance. We need a system that produces ten more of her.”
— Leadership NG
