World Athletics refuses Favour Ofili’s change of nationality.

World Athletics has rejected Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili’s request for a change of sporting nationality, as she wished to represent Turkey. A major setback for the athlete, who aimed to defend the Turkish colors at the 2028 Olympic Games. In a document published on Thursday, World Athletics’ nationality review committee indicated that the request filed by the Turkish Athletics Federation did not meet the necessary criteria, after examining the elements surrounding this case.

The international body notably concluded that such a transfer would go against the fundamental principles governing changes of allegiance in global athletics. The Turkish Athletics Federation’s request for Favour Ofili to transfer her allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved, according to the official decision. The panel tasked with reviewing the case was composed of Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill and Susanne van Waert.