President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has alleged that sprinter Favour Ofili’s decision to dump Nigeria for Turkey was financially motivated, despite her claims of neglect by Nigerian sports authorities.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Okowa confirmed that both World Athletics and Ofili had formally communicated her switch to the federation.
“They have officially informed us. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself,” he said.
Ofili, who recently announced on social media that she would now represent Turkey, cited disappointment with the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee as reasons for her move. She pointed to her exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Games due to missed tests and the failure to register her for the women’s 100m event in Paris 2024 as major sources of frustration.
But Okowa dismissed her explanation, insisting her defection was financially motivated.
“Ofili herself knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are trying to make some money,” Okowa told ESPN.
The AFN boss stressed that while he had no objection to her personal choice, he took issue with her stated reasons.
“I don’t see anything wrong with that, but as far as I am concerned, if she wants to go, it’s okay. She’s an adult, but she should stop using these reasons as her excuse,” he said.
Okowa also pointed to other athletes from Kenya and Jamaica who recently switched allegiance to Turkey, arguing that Ofili’s case was no different.
“Okay, the Kenyans and Jamaicans that are going to Turkey, what reasons do they have? Let her go in peace. She’s an adult; she has the right to make her decision if she wants to switch allegiance or not,” he added.
Ofili, 22, who holds the world record in the women’s 150m, insisted her decision was heartfelt and not financially driven.
“This change comes from the heart, not from financial motives,” she said.
Her switch adds to Nigeria’s long history of athletes defecting to other countries, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, Florence Ekpo-Umoh, Salwa Eid Naser and Femi Ogunode, many of whom achieved greater success under new national flags.
