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AFN: Favour Ofili difficult to deal with, old enough to decide her future  

Tonobok Okowa, president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has stated that sprinter Favour Ofili, 22, is “old enough to decide what’s best for her” amid reports she has requested a change of nationality to another country. 

Speculation arose on Sunday that Ofili, a 150-meter world record holder, expressed frustration with the AFN following her experiences in recent international competitions. Despite these rumors, the World Athletics (WA) website still lists her as a Nigerian athlete. 

In a statement, Okowa confirmed he learned of the allegations through media reports and noted that the AFN has received no official communication from either Ofili or WA regarding her potential switch. He expressed disappointment at the situation, asserting that she is a promising athlete with significant potential. 

The AFN president emphasized their ongoing efforts to support Ofili, pointing out that she has already received her training grant for the year. However, he acknowledged the difficulties they have faced in maintaining communication with her, especially since the Paris Olympics. 

“Despite our inadequacies, she has often shunned national trials, which makes her difficult to deal with,” he remarked. Okowa reiterated the federation’s commitment to helping its athletes thrive and extended well wishes to Ofili, regardless of her decision. 

Ofili previously represented Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics but faced challenges, including being omitted from the women’s race despite qualifying. She ultimately competed in the women’s 200m, finishing sixth. Her reported nationality shift echoes a trend of athletes leaving Nigeria due to frustrations with the AFN, reminiscent of previous departures by athletes like Gloria Alozie and Annette Echikunwoke. 

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