United States-based Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has announced plans to switch allegiance to Qatar, citing prolonged frustration with Nigeria’s athletics system.
The 100m star, regarded as one of Nigeria’s fastest men in recent years, disclosed that he has spent the last five months in Qatar and no longer sees a future competing under Nigeria’s structure.
“Athletes Are Treated With Respect”
According to Ashe, his decision was driven by what he described as neglect, inadequate support and persistent disrespect from administrators.
“I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” he said.
Although he has not begun his 2026 season, Ashe revealed that the Qatari athletics federation has already outlined a structured development plan for him and other recruited athletes.
He noted that preparations include beginning the season in South Africa — a level of planning he believes he never experienced in Nigeria.
Growing Nigerian Presence in Qatar
Ashe also claimed several young Nigerian athletes are currently enrolled in Qatar’s athletics programme, with long-term plans to assemble a competitive 4x100m relay squad largely composed of Nigerian-born sprinters.
Sunday Akintan, who recently clocked 6.48 seconds indoors, is reportedly among those who have already switched allegiance.
Sources suggest additional Nigerian athletes — including some currently camping for the Commonwealth Games — are considering similar moves in search of improved funding, exposure and structured competition.
Breaking Point in Abeokuta
Ashe said his dissatisfaction peaked during the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where he was disqualified from the 100m final while representing Team Delta.
“Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back,” he warned.
“Soon Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes.”
An official of the Delta State Sports Commission said there had been no formal notification of Ashe’s switch. It also remains unclear whether he benefited from training grants recently disbursed by the National Sports Commission.
A Familiar Pattern
Ashe’s move mirrors that of Favour Ofili, who previously switched allegiance to Turkey after publicly alleging administrative lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ahead of the Paris Olympics.
If confirmed, Ashe’s departure would represent another high-profile talent loss for Nigerian athletics — and may intensify scrutiny of governance, funding frameworks and athlete welfare within the country’s track and field system.