Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili has been denied approval to change her sporting nationality to Turkey after World Athletics turned down her request.
The 21-year-old athlete, who was born and developed her career in Nigeria, had initiated the process of switching allegiance following a reported fallout with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Her attempted move highlights ongoing frustrations among Nigerian athletes, many of whom have consistently raised concerns about inadequate welfare, administrative challenges, and structural issues within the federation.
In its decision released on Thursday, World Athletics declined the application, effectively preventing Ofili from representing Turkey at international competitions for now.
While no detailed explanation was provided, nationality transfers in athletics are subject to stringent rules, including waiting periods and necessary agreements between the federations involved.
For the moment, Ofili remains officially listed as a Nigerian athlete, with uncertainty surrounding her international career as her dispute with local athletics authorities persists.
