The 21-year-old made the announcement on Monday, September 1, via Instagram, saying the move followed “months of reflection” after repeated disappointments with Nigerian athletics authorities.
“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey,” she wrote.
Ofili, a six-time gold medalist who reached the Olympic 200 metres final, expressed pride in her achievements under Nigeria’s flag but said neglect during the Tokyo and Paris Games had weighed heavily. “We built this career with sacrifices, but the repeated letdowns left me with little choice,” she explained, stressing that the decision was not financially motivated.
While the switch rules her out of this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Ofili said she was “grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey” and looked forward to the next phase of her career.
Federation Confirms Move, Raises Alarm
AFN president Tonobok Okowa, speaking at the National Athletics Championships in Lagos, confirmed Ofili’s transfer and admitted the federation is struggling to prevent a talent drain.
“The kind of money they put on the table to get her is not something many athletes would refuse,” Okowa said, warning that without urgent government support, more stars could follow. “We are pleading with Nigeria as a nation and our government to come out and support us, so we don’t keep losing our athletes.”
Turkey has recently intensified efforts to recruit foreign athletes, offering attractive incentives as part of its long-term sports strategy.
A Familiar Pattern
Ofili’s departure echoes earlier high-profile exits, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, and Femi Ogunode, who all left Nigeria to compete under different flags after frustrations with the local system.
Her exit comes at a time when Nigerian athletics is under pressure to retain top talent amid persistent funding gaps, welfare concerns, and disputes between athletes and administrators.
As she begins her transition, Ofili has received support from her coach, agent, and sponsors. For Nigerian athletics, however, her decision underscores the growing urgency to address structural weaknesses or risk further losses on the global stage.