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By Joe Apu
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially welcomed sprint star Favour Ofili back into its fold, marking what both sides hope will be a renewed and productive relationship.
According to release credited to the AFN President, Tonobok Okowa. The AFN expressed delight at Ofili’s return, stressing the importance of unity and support around one of Nigeria’s brightest track talents. He noted that the immediate priority is to create the right environment for the 100m and 200m specialist to thrive.
“What she needs most from stakeholders is love, support, encouragement—and more love,” Okowa said, underscoring the federation’s commitment to rebuilding trust with its athletes.
The development comes at a critical period for Nigerian athletics as the AFN seeks to strengthen athlete relations and reposition the country ahead of major global competitions. Ofili’s return is widely seen as a significant boost to Nigeria’s sprint ambitions on the stage.
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The renewed alliance follows a decision by World Athletics to deny Ofili approval to switch allegiance to Türkiye. Her application was among several submitted by the Turkish federation as part of a recruitment drive targeting foreign athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
World Athletics ruled that the proposed transfers were part of a broader strategy involving lucrative contracts that could undermine the integrity of national competitions, discourage the development of homegrown talent, and potentially displace local athletes.
While Ofili’s personal circumstances—including her participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—were considered, the governing body concluded that approving the switch would compromise core principles of the sport.
As a result, Ofili remains eligible to compete for Nigeria but is barred from representing Türkiye in international competitions.
The AFN expressed optimism that with renewed backing from officials, fans, and the wider athletics community, Ofili can fulfil her immense potential and reinforce Nigeria’s standing in global sprinting.
