United States-based Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili may be part of nation’s contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games holding in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ofili was expected to return to the track on Friday at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida, competing at the Tom Jones Memorial just a day after World Athletics denied her request to change allegiance from Nigeria to Türkiye. The 23‑year‑old sprinter, who was a 200m finalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had sought to leave Nigeria over what she described as administrative and technical incompetence on the part of AFN officials and a lack of adequate welfare, in favor of a system that promised her $10,000 a month until the 2028 Olympics.

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, told The Guardian on Thursday evening that he expects Ofili to be part of Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Ofili is our daughter, and it is good to have her back. I have spoken with AFN officials to see the possibility of including Ofili’s name on our delegation to Glasgow. It will be good to see Ofili compete for Nigeria again,” Olopade stated.

Meanwhile, former AFN President, Solomon Ogba, has commended World Athletics for rejecting Ofili’s application to switch allegiance to Türkiye.

World Athletics, through its Nationality Review Panel, on Thursday, turned down Ofili’s request to represent the European nation, citing concerns over the integrity of international competitions and the growing trend of athlete recruitment driven by financial incentives.

Reacting to the decision, Ogba described the ruling as a victory for fairness and a strong message in defence of developing nations that invest heavily in nurturing athletic talent.

“This is justice not just for Nigeria but for many developing countries that work tirelessly to groom athletes, only for them to be lured away by wealthier nations,” Ogba said.

Ofili’s case was one of 11 applications submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation, which World Athletics linked to a broader government-backed strategy to strengthen its team ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Despite having obtained Turkish citizenship and signing a lucrative club contract, Ofili remains ineligible to compete for Türkiye in major competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Ogba singled out World Athletics President Sebastian Coe for praise, describing him as a consistent ally of developing countries.

“How can a country nurture an athlete from grassroots level to elite status, only for another nation that showed no prior interest to come with financial inducements and take them away? It is unfair and must be discouraged,” he said.

Ogba also advised athletes to remain focused and avoid making career decisions driven solely by short-term financial gains. He cited global stars such as Usain Bolt, Julien Alfred, and Eliud Kipchoge, who achieved success while representing their home countries.

He further warned athletes against external pressures from managers and associates, urging them to consider the long-term implications of switching nationality.

“Many athletes who left Nigeria often return after retirement seeking support. The reality is that your home country offers opportunities beyond competition — as coaches, administrators, and mentors,” he stated.

He urged Nigerian athletes to remain loyal and committed, stressing that while opportunities abroad may appear attractive, long-term security and identity remain tied to their country of origin.