AFN Confirms Favour Ofili’s Switch to Turkey, Warns of Athlete Exodus Over Funding Issues

Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has confirmed that Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has officially switched her national allegiance to Turkey.

Speaking at a press conference during the 2025 National Athletics Championship at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Okowa revealed that Nigeria is at risk of losing more elite athletes to better-funded foreign programs.

“I can confirm that many of our top athletes are receiving offers from other countries to change their nationality,” Okowa said. “As of now, Favour Ofili has been secured by the Turkish Athletics Federation.”

The switch comes just months ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. While Ofili is still listed under Nigeria on the World Athletics website, insiders within the federation suggest her transition is only awaiting final confirmation.

Okowa cited financial motivation as a key factor behind such decisions. “The amount offered to her is substantial — something most athletes would find hard to turn down,” he explained. “That’s why we are urgently appealing to the Nigerian government to support our federation and help us retain our talents.”

According to reports, Turkey has ramped up its recruitment of international athletes and is offering up to $500,000 to high-performing individuals willing to represent the country.