Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has been prevented from changing her athletic nationality to Turkey after global governing body World Athletics rejected her application.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Nigeria, had initiated moves to switch allegiance following a reported fallout with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Ofili’s decision to part ways with Nigeria comes amid ongoing tensions between athletes and the federation, with concerns over welfare, administration, and support structures frequently raised in recent years.
However, in a decision announced on Thursday, World Athletics declined to grant approval for the nationality transfer, effectively blocking her proposed switch to represent Turkey in international competitions.
The reasons for the rejection were not officially disclosed, but such decisions are typically guided by strict eligibility rules, including waiting periods and federation agreements.
The development means Ofili remains ineligible to compete for Turkey for now, leaving her immediate international future uncertain as the situation between her and Nigerian athletics authorities continues to unfold.
