Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili has spoken publicly for the first time since World Athletics rejected her application to switch sporting allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, insisting she has accepted the decision and remains focused on her future.
READ ALSO: How Favour Ofili’s Türkiye Switch Was Stalled By Five Kenyans, Four Jamaicans
The 22-year-old sprinter, one of Africa’s fastest women over the 100m and 200m, said she has chosen to move forward despite the disappointment surrounding the failed nationality switch, revealing that her priority is now her career and personal development.
Ofili’s proposed transfer became one of the biggest stories in athletics after reports emerged that she had sought to compete for Turkey, citing years of frustration with the administration of athletics in Nigeria.
However, World Athletics declined the request because the transfer did not satisfy the governing body’s nationality transfer regulations.
“I’m alright and I’m at peace. Since the decision was announced, I’ve just been focusing on myself, my future and continuing to work hard,” Ofili said.
The LSU graduate also dismissed reports suggesting she has been in discussions with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) over a possible reconciliation.
According to Ofili, she has had no communication with officials of the federation since 2024 and denied claims that she had received any settlement, financial package or grant from the AFN.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone from the federation since 2024, and I haven’t received any settlement or financial support as has been claimed,” she stated.
Ofili has established herself as one of Nigeria’s leading track athletes, winning multiple medals on the international stage and setting national records while representing the country at major championships.
Her relationship with Nigerian athletics administrators has, however, been strained in recent years, particularly after missing the women’s 100 metres at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games despite meeting the qualification standard due to an administrative oversight.
While uncertainty remains over her international future, Ofili’s latest comments suggest her immediate focus is on returning to competition, with the sprint star concentrating on her career as developments surrounding her eligibility continue to unfold.
