World Athletics has rejected an application by Turkey to change the sporting nationality of Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili, dealing a major setback to her plans ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision, issued by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, followed a detailed assessment of the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the request, the panel concluded that approving the switch would go against key principles guiding international athletics.
According to the ruling, the request formed part of a broader recruitment effort involving several athletes, raising concerns about fairness and the integrity of global competitions. The panel emphasized that such moves, if approved, could undermine efforts to promote genuine national representation and the development of homegrown talent.
Despite considering submissions from all parties, including Ofili and Turkish officials, the panel maintained that the proposed transfer did not meet the required standards. It noted that while athletes are allowed to change allegiance under certain conditions, the governing body retains the authority to reject applications that conflict with broader institutional objectives.
The review also highlighted concerns about what it described as a wider, government-backed strategy by Turkey to attract foreign athletes with competitive incentives ahead of the 2028 Olympics. According to the panel, such practices risk eroding the credibility of international competitions by encouraging nationality changes driven more by opportunity than by authentic national ties.
Although Ofili had expressed dissatisfaction with athletics administration in Nigeria and had already taken steps such as acquiring Turkish citizenship and planning relocation, the panel ruled that these factors were not sufficient grounds for approval. The sprinter last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, further reinforcing her existing sporting ties to the country.
With the application denied, Ofili remains ineligible to compete for Turkey in official international competitions. However, she is still free to participate in global events as an individual or at the club level and can continue to train or reside in Turkey if she chooses.
The decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation around athlete nationality changes, reinforcing World Athletics’ stance on preserving fairness, integrity, and national identity in global sports.
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