AFN Boss Claims Favour Ofili’s Switch to Turkey Driven by Financial Motives
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has attributed Favour Ofili’s decision to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey to financial considerations, dismissing the athlete’s claims of administrative neglect as the primary reason.
Speaking to ESPN, Okowa confirmed that both World Athletics and Ofili had formally notified the AFN of her decision. However, he insisted her move was not due to frustrations with Nigerian sports authorities at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as she alleged.
“Ofili herself knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are trying to make some money,” Okowa stated.
While emphasising that Ofili had every right to change national representation, Okowa criticised her for what he described as misleading explanations.
“If she wants to go, it’s okay. She’s an adult, but she should stop using these reasons as her excuse,” he added.
Okowa also noted that athletes from countries like Kenya and Jamaica had recently switched to Turkey without citing administrative failings, urging Ofili to “go in peace” and focus on her career.
Ofili, who holds the world record in the women’s 150m, announced on social media that her decision stemmed from repeated disappointments, including missing the Tokyo Games due to administrative lapses and being left out of the women’s 100m event in Paris. She stressed the move was “from the heart, not financial motives.”
Her switch adds to a growing list of Nigerian athletes who have changed national allegiance, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, Florence Ekpo-Umoh, Salwa Eid Naser, and Femi Ogunode, many of whom found success under new flags.
Akahi News Third-Party Disclaimer
This report draws from information originally published by Punch. At the time of publication, Akahi News had no reason to doubt its accuracy. Akahi News has not independently verified all claims, and the original publisher bears responsibility for initial accuracy. Should the original publisher update, retract, or delete the story, Akahi News will review and update this publication as necessary.
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