By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Nigeria’s athletics community has been hit with another blow as star sprinter Favour Ofili has officially switched allegiance to Turkey.
President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, confirmed the development during a press briefing at the 2025 National Athletics Championship in Lagos, attributing the move to inadequate financial support for athletes in Nigeria.
Okowa said foreign countries, especially Turkey, are offering irresistible financial incentives to lure Nigerian talents.
He described Ofili’s exit as a wake-up call, warning that more athletes could follow if urgent steps are not taken.
“This is not just about Ofili; it’s about the future of Nigerian athletics. Without robust government and private sector sponsorship, we will continue to lose our best talents,” he warned.
Ofili’s departure follows a troubling trend, reminiscent of past defections by stars like Francis Obikwelu and Gloria Alozie.
Okowa urged immediate financial intervention to improve athletes’ welfare and safeguard the nation’s sporting future.
