The Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly moved to prevent sprinter Favour Ofili from representing Turkey at the July 2028 Olympics, citing her previous ties to Nigeria and government funding received during training.
According to sources, the NSC argues that Ofili is still considered a Nigerian athlete because she received a government training grant in early 2025 before switching allegiance. Normally, athletes must observe a three-year waiting period before competing for another country, which would have expired in May 2028—or late 2027 under special conditions. However, the NSC is reportedly seeking to extend this period until September 2028, after the Olympics, pending the outcome of a “careful” investigation.
The move has stirred controversy, with critics framing it as motivated by concerns over “unpatriotic” sentiments. Sprint legend Mary Onyali has previously cited loyalty to Nigeria, rejecting offers to represent other countries during her career, including France and Sweden.
Ofili’s decision to switch to Turkey followed repeated frustrations with Nigerian sports authorities, including the failure to register her for the 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite meeting qualification standards. She finished sixth in the 200m final, visibly emotional, stating: “I’m tired, I’m tired.”
Reports indicate that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had viewed Ofili as “unruly and proud” since 2022, and there was internal opposition to sending her to Paris. The AFN Chairman in August 2024 reportedly said: “We are not bothered if she switches allegiance. She is becoming uncontrollable and proud. We have people who can replace her.”
In response, Ofili’s coach, Dennis Shaver, defended her decision on Wednesday, accusing Nigerian authorities of mismanagement. “I switch to Turkey to save my career from your incompetence. It started in Japan; many of us were not registered after qualifying. It happened again in Paris. Yet they moved on like nothing happened. They set up a panel and did nothing no apologies.
“They allowed them to continue with their blunders. The people paid to look after us are the ones denying us from competing after a hard qualification. Mary Onyali was never denied from competing. I was. I am a woman; I don’t have time on my side. I had to run for my career and my family.”