World Athletics, yesterday, rejected an application by the Turkiye Athletics Federation (TAF) to secure a transfer of allegiance for Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili.

The decision, issued by the Nationality Review Panel, yesterday, means that the 23‑year‑old Ofili will not be eligible to represent Turkiye at major international competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Delta State-born Ofili, who last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was granted Turkish citizenship in May 2025.

The Panel report, made available to The Guardian, noted that the transfer was part of a wider government‑led recruitment strategy in Türkiye, designed to attract overseas talent with lucrative contracts.

“The eleven applications form part of a recruitment strategy led by the Türkiye government to recruit overseas talent by offering lucrative club‑level contracts with the objective of inducing transfers of allegiance and ensuring the athletes become eligible to represent Turkey at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” the decision stated.

Ofili had argued that her move to switch allegiance to Turkey was motivated by disputes with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), which she said failed her at two Olympic Games, and by personal safety concerns.

Despite these claims, the panel found that Ofili’s ties to Türkiye were not sufficiently established.

“There was no evidence of pre‑Application connection to Türkiye, and there are limited credible indications that there will be continuous residence and day‑to‑day integration in Türkiye in the future,” the ruling explained.

It also warned that the recruitment campaign undermined domestic athletes’ pathways and compromised the integrity of national representation.

The panel emphasised that while Ofili can continue to live, train, and compete in Türkiye at the club level, she cannot represent the country in national competitions.

The decision is final unless appealed. Under Regulation 2.23, Ofili or TAF may request reconsideration and, if unsuccessful, appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 30 days.

World Athletics also underlined its commitment to athlete welfare by initiating safeguarding measures for Ofili.

Despite rejecting the transfer, the panel stressed that Ofili’s testimony about disputes with AFN and her personal safety concerns would not be overlooked.

“The transfer aims to protect her sports career and mental health following disputes with the Nigerian Athletics Federation… and personal safety concerns,” the ruling noted.

It assured Ofili that these issues will be addressed through its safeguarding processes, ensuring that her welfare is monitored and supported independently of the nationality decision.

The panel emphasised that safeguarding athletes remains a priority, and that Ofili’s concerns will be followed up to protect her career and well‑being.

The rejection of Ofili’s transfer of allegiance to Turkey has not only ended her hopes of representing the country at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, but also her financial gains.

In May, 2025, Ofili signed a contract worth $10,000 per month until 2028, followed by $5,000 per month until 2032.

The deal would have guaranteed her a steady income far beyond what Nigerian athletes currently receive.

Reacting to the development, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, said that the Commission is happy to welcome Ofili back despite her attempt to dump the country for Turkey.

“Ofili is our daughter, and we welcome her back,” Olopade said.

In the same vein, the AFN said it has officially welcomed Ofili back into its fold, signaling a fresh chapter in the relationship between the athlete and the federation.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa, expressed delight over Ofili’s return, emphasising the need for unity and encouragement around one of Nigeria’s brightest track talents.

According to Okowa, the focus now should be on providing the right environment for the 100m and 200m star to thrive, stressing that what she needs most from stakeholders is “love, support, encouragement and more love.”

Ofili’s return is expected to boost Nigeria’s sprint prospects, with the AFN hopeful that renewed backing from officials, fans, and the athletics community will help her reach her full potential on the global stage.