The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has welcomed sprinter Favour Ofili back into its fold after World Athletics rejected her application to switch sporting nationality.
In a statement on Thursday, the AFN confirmed that the 23-year-old remains eligible to compete for Nigeria, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over her international future.
The global athletics governing body declined the request, citing concerns that it formed part of a broader system that could undermine the integrity of the sport. According to the AFN, the application was reviewed alongside 10 others.
Despite acknowledging Ofili’s individual circumstances, including her participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the review panel concluded that approving the switch would compromise key principles governing international eligibility.
Calls for support
Reacting to the decision, the AFN struck a conciliatory tone, urging renewed support for the athlete.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa said the focus should now be on creating an enabling environment for Ofili to thrive.
“What she needs most at this time is love, support, encouragement and more love,” he said.
The federation added that her return presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships with athletes as Nigeria prepares for upcoming competitions.
Ofili had sought to switch allegiance following frustrations with administrative lapses in the Nigerian system. She was among several athletes who missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due to failures to meet mandatory anti-doping requirements.
More recently, she was excluded from the 100 metres event at the Paris Olympics over what she described as another administrative oversight, although she went on to finish sixth in the 200 metres final.
