Ofili addresses allegiance switch rumours ahead of Tokyo Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 03.09.25. | 17:53
According to Sports Max, Turkiyé is dangling an impressive financial compensation carrot with each athlete said to be set to receive a minimum of US$500,000 (Approx Ksh64.6 Million), with monthly stipends and six-figure bonuses for medals earned at global championships
Nigerian title-winning sprinter, Favour Ofili has finally spoken; confirming that she had started the process of switching allegiances to Turkey, a process expected to culminate with her representing her new-found home in 2027.
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Ofili, who holds the Nigerian 200m 21.96 record, finished sixth in last year’s Paris Olympic final and has represented Nigeria at Youth Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and African Championships, cited disappointment by the national athletics federation and Olympic Committee due to 'negligence'.
"Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back-to-back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible," Ofili said, confirming her expected absence in Tokyo.
"As some of you have heard, I am also starting a new chapter representing Turkey. I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won SIX gold medals, TWO silver medals and TWO bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC For their negligence towards me in two Olympic (Tokyo/Paris).
I have made this decision..While that means sitting out this year's championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I'm truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey, I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful for all the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor @adidas and my loved ones during this difficult time. (sic)," her statement in social media reads.
After hitting the 100m standard for Paris 2024, the athletics federation and the Nigerian National Olympics Committee failed to enter her name, and she was forced to compete in the 200m.
This was the second time she would miss an Olympic event due to federation's failures.
In 2021, she also missed the Tokyo Olympics 200m after the two institutions failed to get her tested in time, a mistake that affected 13 other athletes.
