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World Athletics has blocked the move by Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili to change her sporting nationality to Turkey, citing concerns over the integrity of the recruitment process.
The decision was confirmed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria on Thursday, following a review by the global body’s national eligibility panel.
According to the ruling, Ofili’s application formed part of a broader attempt by the Turkish Athletics Federation to recruit foreign athletes in a manner described as abrupt and driven by financial motives.
World Athletics said such moves undermine fair competition and weaken efforts by countries to develop their own athletes, warning that the trend could displace homegrown talent with imported competitors.
Ofili, 23, began the nationality switch process in 2025 after publicly accusing Nigerian sports authorities of neglect and actions that hindered her career progression.
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Her grievances date back to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she missed out after officials failed to notify her of mandatory drug-testing requirements.
She also lost a chance to compete in the 100 metres at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to an administrative error, with her name not submitted in time by the Nigerian federation.
Ofili was among 11 foreign athletes whose applications were filed by Turkey in the latest wave of nationality switch requests reviewed by World Athletics.
The ruling leaves her international future uncertain, as questions persist over her relationship with Nigerian athletics authorities and her next competitive move.
