The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it has not received any official communication from Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili, regarding her alleged switch of allegiance to Turkey.
Director General of the NSC Bukola Olopade, at a media parley on Wednesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, noted that despite attempts to reach out to the athlete, she declined to speak to any official.
“About 24 hours after I got into office, I called Ofili about the situation in Paris, and her response was ‘I don’t want to speak to any official for now’ and she dropped the line,” Olopade said.
Persecondnews reports that the NSC has been supporting Ofili through its Elite Athletes Programme, which provides grants to elite athletes to aid their preparation for major competitions.
The Commission provides annual grants of $20,000 to athletes on the A Category of the Elite Programme, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s performance in international sports.
Ofili is part of the 69 athletes on the Commission’s payroll, who received payments two months ago.
“Ofili is also part of the 69 athletes that are on the payroll of the Commission, and we paid them two months ago, so it’s surprising to see news of her alleged switch to Turkey. For now, she still remains a Nigerian athlete,” Olopade said.
The Commission has established an Elite Athletes and Podium Board to address issues related to athlete support and performance.
It prioritizes athlete welfare, recognizing its importance in creating a supportive environment that allows athletes to thrive.
“Athletes’ welfare is non-negotiable, the Commission reiterates its commitment to supporting athletes both in their sporting endeavors and in life beyond competition.
“The Commission has done a lot behind the scenes to support athletes and will continue to do more.
“We have done a whole lot behind the scene and we would continue to do more,” Olopade said, underscoring the NSC’s dedication to athlete support.
The alleged switch of allegiance by Ofili has sparked controversy, with many questioning her decision.
According to reports, Ofili cited frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation, particularly regarding her participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the 100m event at the Paris Olympics.
Ofili switched allegiance to Turkey on May 31, 2025.
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