National Sports Commission urges Favour Ofili to return to Nigerian team after World Athletics blocks transfer to Turkey
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The National Sports Commission has called on Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili to rejoin the national team after World Athletics rejected her application to transfer allegiance to Turkey. The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel cited concerns over the integrity of international competition and coordinated recruitment of athletes in its decision. Bukola Olopade, the commission's director general, stated that Nigeria fully supports Ofili and is ready to provide backing for her success, including for the upcoming Olympic Games. He emphasized that the country remains her home and urged her not to be discouraged. The World Athletics decision was part of a broader rejection of 11 transfer applications linked to a recruitment strategy by the Turkish government. The panel warned against a system driven by financial incentives rather than genuine national ties. Turkey is expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, through its president Tonobok Okowa, also welcomed Ofili back, and former AFN president Solomon Ogba supported the World Athletics decision. Ofili remains eligible to represent Nigeria in major international competitions.
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