By Philomina Brando
The National Sports Commission has urged Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili to return to the national team following a decision by World Athletics to block her transfer of allegiance to Turkey.
The ruling, delivered by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel on Thursday, rejected an application by the Türkiye Athletics Federation to switch Ofili’s nationality, citing concerns over the integrity of international competition and coordinated recruitment of athletes across multiple countries.
Responding on Friday, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said Nigeria remained fully supportive of the athlete and was ready to provide the necessary backing to help her succeed at the highest level.
He stressed the need to re-engage Ofili and those around her, reiterating that the country remained her home despite recent developments.
“She’s our daughter. We love her so much and I’ve always said we must speak to her to come home. I am urging Ofili and those close to her that home is waiting for her,” Olopade said.
Olopade also appealed to the sprinter not to be discouraged by the failed transfer, assuring her of long-term support, particularly with the Olympic Games on the horizon.
“Don’t be dejected or angry. Know that we love you and we still want you back. We promise you all the support that you require to shine at the Olympics in two years’ time,” he added.
The decision by World Athletics forms part of a broader rejection of 11 transfer applications linked to what the governing body described as a coordinated recruitment strategy backed by the Turkish government ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The panel ruled that the move risked undermining the credibility of national representation in athletics, warning against a system driven primarily by financial incentives rather than genuine national ties.
“The application by the Türkiye Athletics Federation for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” the panel stated.
Turkey is expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with reports indicating that a legal appeal is already being prepared.
Despite the uncertainty, Nigerian authorities have moved to close ranks around Ofili.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria had earlier welcomed her back, with its president, Tonobok Okowa, calling for unity and support around the athlete.
Former AFN president, Solomon Ogba, also backed the decision, describing it as a victory for fairness and a protection of developing nations’ investments in grassroots talent.
Ofili remains eligible to represent Nigeria in major international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
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