NSC urges Ofili to return, promises Olympic support

The National Sports Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili, urging her to return to the national team following the decision by World Athletics to block her transfer of allegiance to Turkey, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The ruling, delivered by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel on Thursday, rejected an application by the Türkiye Athletics Federation to switch Ofili’s nationality, citing concerns over the integrity of international competition and coordinated recruitment of athletes across multiple countries.

In response, the commission’s director general on Friday, Bukola Olopade, said Nigeria remains fully supportive of the athlete and is ready to provide the necessary backing to help her succeed at the highest level.

He stressed the importance of re-engaging Ofili and those around her, while reiterating that the country remains her home despite the recent developments.

“She’s our daughter. We love her so much and I’ve always said we must speak to her to come home. I am urging Ofili and those close to her that home is waiting for her,” Olopade said.

Olopade also appealed to the sprinter not to be discouraged by the failed transfer, assuring her of long-term support, particularly with the Olympic Games on the horizon.

“Don’t be dejected or angry. Know that we love you and we still want you back. We promise you all the support that you require to shine at the Olympics in two years’ time,” he added.

The decision by World Athletics forms part of a broader rejection of 11 transfer applications linked to what the governing body described as a coordinated recruitment strategy backed by the Turkish government ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The panel ruled that the move risked undermining the credibility of national representation in athletics, warning against a system driven primarily by financial incentives rather than genuine national ties.

“The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.”

Turkey is expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with reports indicating that a legal appeal is already being prepared in what could become a landmark case for nationality transfers in athletics.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the appeal, Nigerian authorities have moved swiftly to close ranks around Ofili.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria had earlier welcomed her back on Thursday, with its president Tonobok Okowa calling for unity and support around the athlete, stressing that she needs encouragement and a stable environment to thrive.

Former AFN president Solomon Ogba also backed the World Athletics decision, describing it as a victory for fairness and a protection of developing nations’ investments in grassroots talent.

Ofili remains eligible to represent Nigeria in major international competitions, including the World Championships and Olympic Games, with the commission’s latest position underscoring its determination to retain one of the country’s leading sprint prospects ahead of a crucial Olympic cycle.