Sprint star Favour Ofili will continue to represent Nigeria after the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel formally rejected an application by the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF) to transfer her athletic allegiance from Nigeria (NGR) to Turkey (TUR), according to a statement cited by sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on April 16, 2026.
The panel’s ruling stated: “The application by the TAF for Favour OFILI (the ‘Athlete’) to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.” The decision was grounded in Rule 4.4.2 of the World Athletics Eligibility Rules, which took effect on 15 August 2022, a provision that grants World Athletics sole discretion to refuse a transfer of allegiance application where it reasonably believes that the Council imperatives outlined in Regulation 1.2 of the Transfer of Allegiance Regulations are being impinged or compromised.
In reaching its conclusion, the panel reviewed multiple submissions, including the original application, Ofili’s athlete declaration, the TAF’s written answers dated 24 November 2025, an internal panel member’s analysis, and the athlete’s own replies submitted under Regulation 2.17. The panel determined that “approval of this transfer would impinge upon and compromise the imperatives underlying the rules and the regulations.”
The ruling also clarified the practical consequences for the Nigerian-born sprinter: “Because the Application is not approved, the Athlete is not entitled to transfer allegiance to TAF and is not eligible to represent TUR in National Representative Competitions (e.g., World or Area Championship Events, Olympic Games, etc) or Other Relevant Competitions.” However, the panel confirmed that the decision does not prevent Ofili from competing in one-day meetings in a personal or club capacity, or from living, training, and competing in Turkey or elsewhere.
Ofili had announced her intention to switch national allegiance to Turkey in May 2025, citing frustration with what she described as the perceived incompetence of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). A central grievance involved her exclusion from the 200m event at the Tokyo Olympics, an omission attributed to the AFN and the National Anti-Doping Commission (NADC) failing to ensure she was tested in time — a failure that also affected 13 other Nigerian athletes. Ofili subsequently confirmed that her decision was not motivated by financial considerations.
The case highlights the complex intersection of athlete rights, national federation accountability, and international governing body oversight. World Athletics’ Transfer of Allegiance framework, in place since August 2022, is designed to balance an athlete’s freedom of movement against the integrity of national representation at major championships, including the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships.
The decision effectively closes the door on Ofili competing for Turkey at major international events, at least under the current application. Whether Ofili, who holds Nigerian and world record credentials in the sprint events, or the TAF will pursue any further recourse remains unclear. Her next competitive steps and her ongoing relationship with the AFN are likely to attract significant attention ahead of the 2026 athletics season.
