World Athletics has officially turned down Turkey’s request to change the sporting allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili. This decision marks a major setback for the athlete’s hopes of competing for her new nation in the 2028 Olympic Games.
A document reviewed by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel—consisting of Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert—confirmed that the application submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation was rejected. The panel argued that approving the change would violate core international athletics regulations.
The governing body expressed concern that Turkey’s move was part of a larger, state-backed recruitment effort involving 11 athletes.
Officials warned that such initiatives threaten the integrity of global sports by prioritizing financial incentives over genuine national connections. They emphasized that the goal of their rules is to preserve fair competition and encourage countries to cultivate local talent.
Although the panel acknowledged Ofili’s frustrations with Nigerian athletics management, they determined these personal issues were insufficient to bypass regulatory standards.
Despite her having obtained Turkish citizenship and signed a long-term contract, she remains ineligible to represent Turkey in official international competitions.
The ruling does, however, clarify that the 23-year-old sprinter is still permitted to live and train in Turkey and may continue to compete in international events as an individual or club representative.
