Favour Ofili has finally confirmed her switch of nationality to Turkey, giving reasons for her decision.
Sprint sensation Favour Ofili has finally confirmed her switch of nationality to Turkey, stating financial reasons didn’t inspire it.
The former Nigerian track queen who competed in the Olympic 200m final in Paris last month, confirmed via a statement released on her social media platforms.
Favour Ofili has dumped Nigeria for Turkey. Photo: Imago
Favour Ofili’s Statement
“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.
“As some of you have heard, I’m 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,” she wrote.
Pulse Sports Nigeria in June this year on Ofili’s switch of allegiance to Turkey in a bid for the European country to win medals at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
With her nationality change now confirmed, she will not compete at the World Championships in Tokyo next month, as she must observe the World Athletics mandatory three-year probation before representing her new country.
Ofili succeeded well for Nigeria from youth to senior level and was highly rated as Nigeria’s next big track star after Blessing Okagbare and Tobi Amusan. Sadly, she will now start donning the colours of Turkey.