Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has seen her attempt to change her nationality ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games blocked, as World Athletics rejected Turkey’s application.
According to the document, the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel did not approve the Türkiye Athletics Federation’s application after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the request. The panel, which included Donna Raynor, Cydonie Mothersill, and Susanne van Waert, stated that granting the request would undermine key regulatory principles that govern international athletics.
Why the World Athletics Rejected Ofili’s Nationality Switch to Turkey
The panel said the application formed part of a wider recruitment drive involving multiple athletes and raised concerns about its impact on the integrity of global competitions. 
It added that it considered submissions from both the athlete and the Turkish federation before reaching a decision. The panel stated: “The application by the TAF for Favour Ofili (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.”
World Athletics also stated that, under its eligibility rules, it retains the authority to reject nationality changes where broader institutional objectives face risks.
READ ALSO: Gout Gout Is Now The Fastest Man in the U20 Category, Not Usain Bolt
The panel concluded that approving the move would threaten those goals, particularly efforts aimed at promoting fair competition and encouraging countries to develop domestic talent. Turkey submitted one of 11 applications as part of a government-backed recruitment drive.
The drive offers lucrative contracts to foreign athletes to boost the country’s international competitiveness ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
According to the panel’s findings, such a strategy could weaken the credibility of national representation by encouraging athletes to switch allegiance primarily for financial or competitive advantage rather than genuine national loyalty.
The panel reviewed Ofili’s complaints regarding Nigerian athletics authorities but concluded that the issues did not outweigh the broader regulatory concerns. It added that after competing for Nigeria at the 2024 Summer Olympics, the sprinter obtained Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract, and expressed plans to relocate.
The document states: “Because authorities did not approve the application, the athlete cannot transfer allegiance to TAF and cannot represent TUR in national representative competitions.” However, the ruling clarified that Ofili can still compete in international meetings as a personal or club athlete, and she can continue to live and train in Turkey if she chooses.
About The Author
Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News
