The Digest:
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria President, Tonobok Okowa, confirmed that Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey, citing financial incentives as a key reason. Okowa warned that more athletes could follow due to better funding from foreign programs.
Key Points:
- Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
- The switch is driven by significant financial incentives, with reports suggesting $500,000 offers.
- Tonobok Okowa highlights the growing trend of athletes being approached by foreign countries.
- The Nigerian government is urged to support athletes to prevent further defection.
- The 2025 National Athletics Championship was the platform for this revelation.
- Turkey's recruitment of foreign athletes has been intensifying recently.
- Okowa fears a growing trend of Nigerian athletes being lured by better-funded programs.
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili’s switch to Turkey underscores the financial challenges facing athletes in Nigeria. With the offer of large sums of money, more athletes may follow suit, prompting a call for greater government support.
