The ongoing saga surrounding Favour Ofili has taken another turn, with an official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) declaring that the athlete’s international career is now at a “stalemate.”
AFN board member, Olalekan Soetan made the revelation while addressing the fallout from World Athletics’ decision to block Ofili’s proposed switch of allegiance to Turkey.
Despite the ruling halting the move, uncertainty continues to surround the sprinter’s next step.
“AFN Is Begging Her” – Soetan Reveals
In a candid and revealing statement, Soetan disclosed that Nigerian authorities had made repeated efforts to convince Ofili to remain committed to the country, even before her attempt to switch allegiance.
“AFN is begging her to compete for Nigeria.”
“Even when she applied for the transfer of allegiance, AFN was still begging, but when you beg, the way you treat the ones that are with you, she can still see that there are no change.”
His comments highlight a deeper issue within the system, suggesting that trust between athlete and federation has been severely damaged.
Frustration with Leadership Still Lingering
Soetan pointed directly to long-standing frustrations with sports administration as a key factor behind Ofili’s situation.
“She was really, really frustrated that those who actually gave that to her, got elected and they are still in power.”
“So when they know they didn’t beg her to come back, the rule is trying to push her back.”
The is a recurring theme in Nigerian athletics, where athletes feel let down by administrative continuity and lack of reform.
“It’s Still a Stalemate” – Soetan on Favour Ofili
Despite World Athletics’ intervention, Soetan believes the situation remains unresolved, with no clear path forward.
“Do you think this set of people will change? So to me, it’s still a stalemate. She’s in the USA. She has been studying in the USA.”
With Ofili currently based in the United States, her detachment from Nigeria’s domestic system adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Eligibility Complications Deepen Uncertainty
Soetan also outlined the regulatory hurdles now facing the 23-year-old sprinter.
“She can’t decide to represent the USA if World Athletics is saying, the transfer of allegiance she did was illegal.”
“She is not living in Turkey. I doubt if she has stayed in Turkey for some days and stuff like that.”
This leaves Ofili in a difficult position, unable to represent Turkey, unlikely to switch to the United States, and yet undecided on a return to Nigeria.
Turkey’s Recruitment Drive Under Scrutiny
The AFN official backed World Athletics’ stance, pointing to broader concerns about athlete recruitment practices.
“So basically, what Turkey did by recruiting up to 11 athletes, athletes that have won medals for their country, shows that that trend must be checked.”
World Athletics had earlier flagged the mass recruitment strategy as a threat to the integrity of international competition.
Appeal Unlikely to Succeed?
Turkey is expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but Soetan remains unconvinced.
“And when World Athletics is saying this, even if they go to court, I don’t think World Athletics will be defeated in this.”
If upheld, the decision could set a major precedent for future nationality transfer cases in athletics.
– READ MORE: Find Out Why World Athletics Rejected Favour Ofili Switch to Turkey Switch
– READ MORE: ‘All About Money’ – AFN President Criticizes Favour Ofili Switch to Turkey
– READ MORE: We Are Happy She Got Rejected! Olopade Urges Ofili to Rethink Dumping Nigeria
Will She Return? The Final Decision Lies with Ofili
Ultimately, Soetan made it clear that the next move rests entirely with the athlete herself.
“Then will Ofili come back? Depends on if she chooses to.”
With her options narrowing, Ofili faces a defining career crossroads:
- Return to Nigeria and rebuild ties with the AFN
- Continue competing independently in international meets
- Await the outcome of Turkey’s legal appeal
For now, one of Nigeria’s brightest talents remains stuck in limbo, her future uncertain and her next move critical.
Whatever decision she makes, her situation has once again exposed deeper structural issues within Nigerian sports administration.
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