The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has categorically denied reports suggesting that Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has switched national allegiance to Turkey.
Speaking on Wednesday during the World Press Conference for the upcoming Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships in Abuja, Olopade—who also serves as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee—affirmed that Ofili remains fully committed to representing Nigeria.
“Favour Ofili is still representing Nigeria. She wrote to the NSC two months ago, reaffirming her commitment to compete for Nigeria,” he stated.
Olopade disclosed that he personally reached out to Ofili after assuming office as NSC DG, and she reconfirmed her allegiance to the country. He further revealed that Ofili was one of 69 athletes who received financial support from the NSC in April 2025 as part of the commission’s athlete development initiative.
“There has been no official communication from any international federation or national authority indicating a switch in allegiance. As far as the NSC is concerned, she remains a Nigerian athlete,” he stressed.
The statement comes amid speculative reports that the national sprint sensation, who holds the world record in the women’s 150m and is a multiple-time national champion, was preparing to represent Turkey. The rumour had sparked intense debate within Nigeria’s athletics community, given Ofili’s medal prospects in future global competitions.
The NSC has now made it clear: Favour Ofili is still Team Nigeria.
