Tonobok Okowa, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, has dismissed sprinter Favour Ofili’s claims that neglect and administrative lapses forced her decision to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, insisting financial incentives were the real motivation.
Okowa confirmed that the AFN has received official notification from both World Athletics (WA) and Ofili regarding her switch.
“AFN has been officially notified, and no objection has been raised.”
” We have received communication from both World Athletics and the athlete,” he said.
The AFN chief, however, rejected Ofili’s explanation, stressing that money was the driving factor.
“Ofili made the public believe she left Nigeria because of a crisis.” That’s not true. This is all about money.”
“She and her coach are trying to make some money,” Okowa told ESPN Sports.
He added that other athletes from Kenya and Jamaica who recently switched to Turkey did so under similar financial arrangements.
“Let her go in peace. She’s an adult and has the right to switch allegiance.
” I don’t see anything wrong with that. But she should stop making excuses,” Okowa stated.
Ofili had earlier cited her absence from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to missed whereabouts tests and Nigeria’s failure to register her for the women’s 100m at Paris 2024 as reasons for her decision.
She maintained that her move “comes from the heart, not from financial motives.”
Reports, however, suggest the sprinter will receive a grant of $500,000 from Turkey, with an additional $1 million bonus should she win Olympic gold.
