Nigeria’s sprint sensation Favour Ofili has officially confirmed she will now represent Turkey, bringing her glittering career in Nigerian colours to an end.

The announcement came just a day after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) unveiled its 15-member squad for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, a list that excluded the 22-year-old record holder.

Ofili, Nigeria’s women’s 200m record holder with 21.96s, made her decision public via her social media pages.

"I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way. Having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets, and being a 200m Olympic finalist, while experiencing the biggest disappointments from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympics (Tokyo and Paris), I have made this decision,” Ofili wrote.

She clarified that her decision was not financially driven 

“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for all the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor, adidas, and my loved ones during this difficult time.”

The switch rules her out of the 2025 World Championships, but she will become eligible to compete for Turkey from 2027.

During her time with Nigeria, Ofili represented the country at major global events including the 2019 Youth Olympics, the World Championships in Doha and Budapest, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, multiple African Championships, and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Now, attention shifts to her next chapter in Turkey, where her speed, pedigree, and experience will no doubt strengthen their sprints program.