Turkey switch: Fans drum support for Ofili, berate AFN

Ofili

Athletics enthusiasts in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind women’s 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, amid her alleged switch of allegiance to Turkey, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ofili’s switch was first announced by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor on Sunday.

“Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025. According to impeccable TVJ News Centre sources, 22-year-old Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted via X.

He added that Ofili cited missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the failure of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to register her for the 100m event at the last games in Paris and that the switch was not financially motivated.AFN president, Tonobok Okowa, who was just reelected for a second term in office, has expressed shock over the development.

Meanwhile, Ofili has been backed by Nigerians to restart her career in the European country.

A certain Bruce Benson wrote on Facebook, “Congratulations. Nigeria doesn’t deserve you. Turkey will give you more benefits.”

“Best decision. Congratulations darling. I wish Tobi express and the rest of them can switch as well,” another fan Nneka Maj Oliver wrote.

A journalist, Solace Chukwu, also blamed the country’s poor system which has frustrated the athlete recently.

“If we are keeping it a buck, Nigeria produces no athletes in the proper sense. We all should know this. Let’s avoid disingenuous, hair-splitting arguments. Pleased for Favour Ofili. If you are a fan of hers, you will be too, and enjoy her success whether in green or red.”

While the AFN has just completed its election which brought back Okowa for a second tenure, another fan, David Balogun, suggests that the board should be sacked.