President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has claimed that Favour Ofili’s recent switch of allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey was driven by financial incentives rather than the reasons the athlete publicly cited.
Okowa, speaking in an interview with ESPN, confirmed that both World Athletics and Ofili had formally communicated her decision to the federation.
“They have officially informed us. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself,” he said.
While Ofili attributed her defection to neglect by Nigerian sports administrators during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Okowa dismissed this explanation, insisting that money was at the heart of her choice.
“Ofili herself knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are trying to make some money,” he told ESPN.
The AFN boss further stressed that although he had no objection to her exercising her right to switch nationality, he strongly opposed the narrative she gave to the public.
“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 excuses,” Okowa stated.
He also pointed to a growing trend of athletes defecting to Turkey, citing Kenyans and Jamaicans who have taken similar decisions.
“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, who holds the world record in the women’s 150m, announced on social media that she would now represent Turkey. In her statement, she highlighted her frustrations with the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee, including her exclusion from competing in Tokyo over missed tests and the failure to register her for the women’s 100m in Paris.
The 22-year-old insisted her decision was not financially driven. “I have made this decision. While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives,” she said.
Her switch adds to a long list of Nigerian athletes who have changed nationality in the past, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, Florence Ekpo-Umoh, Salwa Eid Naser and Femi Ogunode, all of whom went on to thrive under their new flags.