Former Nigerian hurdler, Moses Oyiki, has advised officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to use “diplomacy” in settling whatever differences the nation has with United States-based speed star, Favour Ofili.

Oyiki, who is based in the Republic of Ireland, arrived in Glasgow on Sunday to cheer Team Nigeria athletes in the ongoing Commonwealth Games. He was Africa’s champion in the 110m hurdles at the African Championships in Cairo, Egypt in 1990, and also competed in the men’s 110metres hurdles at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, where he finished fifth in his heat in the first round.

Speaking with The Guardian in Glasgow, Oyiki said that the NSC and AFN should not relent in pursuing Ofili’s matter, adding, however, that it is only through diplomacy that such an issue can be resolved.

“I know that NSC and AFN have made some attempts to bring Ofili back into our sports system, but they should not relent because Favour Ofili has the potential to rule the world.  She is a great athlete, and she is still young. It is not always about putting on boxing gloves when dealing with issues concerning athletes. Nigerian officials need to sit down with Ofili and her coach to iron out issues. This is important considering the stand by President Bola Tinubu that no Nigerian athlete should be lost to other countries, he said.

Oyiki also advised Favour Ofili and her coach to listen to the voice of “elders” in the track and field business. “It is sad that Favour Ofili is not here in Glasgow to compete for Nigeria. But she is still a Nigerian athlete going by the declaration by World Athletics. Ofili can’t continue to do things in isolation,” he said.