World Athletics has rejected sprinter Favour Ofili’s request to switch her sporting nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.
The decision, announced on Thursday, followed a review by the organisation’s nationality panel, which raised concerns over how the application was initiated.
According to the ruling, the Turkish Athletics Federation was found to be actively recruiting foreign athletes and encouraging rapid nationality changes for what was described as largely “mercenary” reasons.
Ofili was among 11 athletes included in a batch submission by Turkey seeking approval for nationality switches.
World Athletics warned that such practices could undermine the integrity of international competition, weaken national sports development systems, and limit opportunities for homegrown athletes.
The 23-year-old began pursuing the switch in 2025 after publicly criticising Nigerian officials over alleged mismanagement and obstacles to her career progression.
Ofili currently holds Nigeria’s women’s 200 metres record at 21.96 seconds and has a personal best of 10.78 seconds in the 100 metres, both achieved in 2022.
