World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to switch the international allegiance of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, delivering a setback to her proposed nationality change ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The decision was contained in a document from the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, which ruled that the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation could not be approved after reviewing all circumstances surrounding the request.
The panel—comprising Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert—said granting the request would undermine key regulatory principles guiding international athletics and threaten the integrity of global competition.
“The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved,” the panel stated.
World Athletics noted that under its eligibility framework, it retains discretionary authority to reject nationality switches where broader institutional objectives are at risk, including fair competition and the development of homegrown talent.
The ruling indicated that Turkey’s request was part of a broader recruitment drive involving multiple athletes, with 11 applications reportedly submitted as part of a government-backed strategy to strengthen its athletics team ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
According to the panel, such approaches risk weakening the credibility of national representation by encouraging athletes to change allegiance primarily for financial or competitive incentives rather than genuine national ties.
While the panel considered Ofili’s grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities, it concluded that these concerns did not outweigh the broader regulatory implications.
Ofili last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and had since acquired Turkish citizenship, signed a long-term contract, and expressed intentions to relocate. However, these factors were not sufficient to justify approval under current rules.
The ruling further stated that although she is ineligible to represent Turkey in national competitions, she remains free to compete in international meets in a personal or club capacity and can continue training and residing in Turkey if she chooses.
Ofili announced her intention to switch allegiance in September 2025, citing dissatisfaction with how her career was handled by Nigerian athletics authorities. The 23-year-old is one of Nigeria’s top sprinters and set a world record in the 150m in 2025.
