The ruling, delivered on Thursday by the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel, rejected an application submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation seeking to transfer Ofili’s allegiance. The panel cited concerns over the integrity of international athletics and warned against what it described as coordinated recruitment efforts across multiple countries ahead of major global competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision forms part of a wider rejection of 11 similar transfer requests linked to Turkey, which the governing body said raised questions about financial incentives overriding genuine national sporting ties.
Nigeria urges athlete to return
Reacting to the development, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, called on Ofili to return to the national fold, stressing that she remains an integral part of Nigeria’s sporting future.
He described her as “our daughter” and emphasized that the country is ready to fully support her ambitions at the highest level.
“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.
He further appealed for calm and reassurance in the aftermath of the ruling, encouraging the athlete not to be discouraged by the failed switch.
“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.
Legal and sporting fallout
The Turkish Athletics Federation is reportedly preparing to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, setting the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle over athlete nationality transfers in global athletics.
The World Athletics panel was explicit in its ruling, stating: “The Application by the TAF for Favour OFILI to transfer allegiance from NGR to TUR is not approved.”
Officials warned that allowing such transfers under the current circumstances could undermine the credibility of national representation in sport, particularly if driven primarily by structured recruitment and financial inducements rather than long-standing national affiliation.
Nigeria closes ranks around Ofili
Back home, Nigerian sporting authorities have moved quickly to stabilize the situation and rebuild confidence around the athlete.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria had earlier welcomed Ofili’s continued eligibility for Nigeria, with its president, Tonobok Okowa, calling for unity and support as she navigates the controversy.
Former AFN president Solomon Ogba also backed the ruling, describing it as a safeguard for fairness in global athletics and a protection of countries investing in grassroots talent development.
Olympic focus ahead
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Turkey’s expected appeal, Ofili remains eligible to represent Nigeria in upcoming international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
The National Sports Commission’s latest intervention signals a broader effort to secure her long-term commitment to the national team, with officials framing her as a key figure in Nigeria’s sprint ambitions heading into the next Olympic cycle.