“‘Favour Ofili Stood in My Way!’ — AFN President Breaks Silence on Blocked Bid

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has expressed concern over Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili’s recent silence, revealing that she has blocked him from contacting her.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This comes amid widespread reports that the 22-year-old athlete has accepted a €500,000 offer to switch national allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey.

“I’ve been trying to reach her. We had a close relationship, even with her family. But suddenly, she blocked everyone. That’s when I suspected something was wrong,” Okowa told Making of Champs.

Okowa also disclosed that the AFN is actively working to enhance athletes’ welfare in order to curb the growing trend of defections to other nations.

Ofili’s frustration with the AFN reportedly intensified following administrative failures—such as the body’s inability to register her for events at both the Tokyo 2020 and upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

She is not alone in her dissatisfaction. Several Nigerian athletes have repeatedly voiced their concerns over inadequate support and poor welfare conditions.

“If Nigeria can invest more in its athletes, it would make a huge difference,” Okowa said.

He also noted that wealthier nations—including those in the Middle East—are increasingly following Turkey’s lead in luring athletes with lucrative offers and fast-tracked citizenship.

“While reports about Ofili remain unconfirmed, if they are true, Nigeria must urgently improve how it treats its athletes,” he added.

Okowa acknowledged that an athlete of Ofili’s caliber would be difficult to retain under current circumstances, especially with enticing offers on the table.

“She’s an adult and is working closely with her coach. Deals like this are tough to reject,” he said. “It’s not just Nigeria. Countries like Jamaica and Kenya are facing similar challenges.”

As of now, Favour Ofili remains listed as a Nigerian athlete on the World Athletics website, and the Turkish Athletics Federation has yet to officially confirm her transfer.