We’re glad they rejected it! Olopade urges Ofili to rethink dumping in Nigeria

The National Sports Commission, DG Bukola Olopade, has expressed relief following World Athletics’ decision to reject Favor Ofili’s attempt to switch allegiance to Turkey.

Olopade reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the 23-year-old sprinter.

The head of the Commission urged Ofili to abandon the change of nationality and assured him of full institutional support in the future.

“I am grateful that her hope of representing Turkey has been dashed because Favor Ofili is our daughter.

“We love her very much. In every interview I have begged her to return home. I want to use this medium to talk to her loved ones, because we are waiting for her.

“Do not be discouraged or angry. We love you and we still want you to come back. We promise you all the support you need to go and win at the Olympic Games in the next two years. Please come back to us,” Olopade said.

Ofili’s attempt to change nationality comes after a series of administrative setbacks that hampered his career under the Nigerian Athletics Federation and the Nigerian Olympic Committee.

Notably, Ofili was one of several Nigerian athletes declared ineligible for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to officials’ failure to comply with mandatory out-of-competition drug testing protocols.

Read also: ‘It’s all about money’: AFN president criticizes Favor Ofili’s transfer to Türkiye

Furthermore, despite qualifying for the 100-meter event, Nigerian authorities did not submit his name, preventing him from competing in that category at the Games.

Favor Ofili’s proposed move to Turkey was ultimately blocked by World Athletics, which determined the move was part of a broader, state-backed recruiting strategy aimed at strengthening Turkey’s team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The governing body cited concerns about the integrity of the sport and noted that Ofili was among a group of athletes targeted by what has been described as a “mercenary” recruiting approach.

Related article: Find out why World Athletics rejected Ofili’s switch of favor to Türkiye