AFN board member Olalekan Soetan has delivered a blunt assessment of Favour Ofili’s situation, declaring that the sprinter’s international career is currently at a “stalemate” following the decision by World Athletics to reject her nationality switch to Turkey.
Speaking on the controversy, Soetan revealed that tensions between the athlete and the federation had been building even before the attempted switch.
“We begged her,” he said.
According to him, the AFN made efforts to resolve issues with Ofili, but frustration with the system ultimately pushed the athlete toward seeking a change of allegiance.
“She was frustrated,” he implied.
However, with World Athletics rejecting the move, alongside other applications backed by Turkey, Ofili now finds herself in a difficult position.
“It’s a stalemate,” Soetan stressed.
The coach believes the ruling is likely to stand even if an appeal is filed, leaving the athlete with limited options moving forward.
“The decision will hold,” he noted.
For Soetan, the next step rests entirely with Ofili, who must now decide whether to return fully to representing Nigeria or explore other alternatives within the rules.
“It’s up to her,” he added.
The situation has sparked widespread debate about athlete welfare, governance, and the challenges faced by competitors in navigating their careers.
As uncertainty lingers, Ofili’s next move will be closely watched.
For Soetan, the message is clear.
The path forward is uncertain.
But the decision must be made.
Because in elite sport, standing still is not an option.
