By Peter Omopo
World Athletics has rejected an application by the Türkiye Athletics Federation seeking to change the nationality allegiance of Nigerian sprinter ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
The decision, delivered on April 16, 2026, by the sport’s Nationality Review Panel, means the 23-year-old athlete remains ineligible to represent Turkey at major international competitions.
According to details of the ruling, the panel declined the request after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the application, stating that approving it would undermine established regulatory principles governing international athletics.
Members of the panel, including Donna Raynor, Cydonie Mothersill and Susanne van Waert, noted that the request was part of a broader recruitment strategy reportedly backed by the Turkish government to attract foreign athletes through lucrative incentives.
“The applications form part of a recruitment strategy to attract overseas talent by offering lucrative contracts to induce transfers of allegiance and ensure eligibility for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” the panel stated.
The body added that such moves could threaten the integrity and fairness of global athletics competitions.
Ofili, who last competed for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had been granted Turkish citizenship in May 2025. She cited disputes with the Nigerian athletics authorities and concerns about her safety and career progression as reasons for seeking the switch.
The panel acknowledged her claims, noting that her decision was influenced by challenges with the Nigerian Athletics Federation as well as personal considerations, including her mental well-being.
Despite these concerns, World Athletics maintained that the transfer request did not meet the criteria required for a change of nationality under its rules.
