Favour Ofili confirmed that will compete for Turkey

Sprint star Favour Ofili has confirmed that she will now compete for Turkey, ending her international career with the Nigerian team.

The news comes a day after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced its 15-strong squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Favour Ofili absent from the list.

The 22-year-old athlete, who holds Nigeria’s national record in the women’s 200m with a time of 21.96 sec, announced her decision on her social media accounts.

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful manner. Having won six gold, two silver and two bronze medals at major championships and being a 200m finalist at the Olympic Games, while also experiencing the greatest disappointments from the AFN and the NOC for their negligence towards me at two Olympics (Tokyo and Paris), I have taken this decision”, wrote Favour Ofili. “Although it means missing this year’s Tokyo Championships, this change comes from the heart and is not driven by financial considerations. I am truly grateful to have found a new home in Turkey. I am excited about what lies ahead and I am grateful for all the support I have received from my coach, agent, sponsor and my family during this difficult time”, added she.

Favour Ofili’s change of nationality means she will not compete at the Tokyo World Championships, but will be eligible to run for Turkey from 2027.

She has represented Nigeria at major global events including the 2019 Youth Olympic Games, the World Championships in Doha and Budapest, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, multiple African Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics.