The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has firmly stated that Favour Ofili still represents Nigeria, dismissing recent reports suggesting she may have switched allegiance to Turkey.
Speaking during the World Press Conference for the Confederation of African Athletics U-18 and U-20 Championships in Abuja on Wednesday, Olopade—who also chairs the Local Organising Committee—emphasized that there is no official confirmation of any nationality change for the elite sprinter.
“Favour Ofili is still representing Nigeria. She wrote to the NSC two months ago, reaffirming her commitment to compete for Nigeria,” Olopade said. “When I resumed as DG of the NSC, I personally contacted her, and she confirmed her allegiance to Nigeria.”
Olopade also noted that Ofili is among 69 athletes who received financial support from the commission in April 2025, reinforcing her ongoing involvement in national sporting activities.
“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 added.
The clarification follows widespread speculation that Ofili, a multiple-time national champion and the women’s 150m world record holder, was planning to represent Turkey. The NSC has strongly refuted those claims, which have sparked debate across Nigeria’s athletics community given her prominent role and potential for future international medals.