Why World Athletics blocked Ofili’s bid to switch nationality to Turkey – AFN

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it was not behind World Athletics’ decision to block Favour Ofili’s switch of nationality allegiance to Turkey.

In a chat with TheCable on Friday, Maxwell Kumoye, AFN spokesperson, dispelled reports that the federation attempted to block Ofili’s switch, adding that World Athletics (WA) reached its verdict based on independent findings.

On Thursday, the WA’s national review panel rejected Ofili’s application to become an athlete of the Turkish Athletics Federation (TAF).

Ofili was one of eleven foreign athletes whose applications were submitted by Turkey to the WA for allegiance switch.

All eleven athletes were blocked by the world athletics governing body.

Clarifying the ruling, Kumoye said Ofili’s case was not different from the remaining athletes on the list, adding that their applications were rejected for the same reason.

“It is not only about Ofili, but there were also ten other athletes who made similar requests from the Turkish athletics federation,” the AFN spokesperson said.

“The same reason they rejected Ofili’s request is the same reason they rejected for four Jamaicans, five Kenyans, and one Ukrainian.

“The four key points World Athletics mentioned for rejecting Ofili and others’ nationality switch are critical.”

“The World Athletics cited the need to encourage talent development, maintain opportunities for homegrown talent, and ensure fairness and competition integrity, a move AFN official said protects local talent unlike the free flow of nationality switch in football that deprives Nigeria and other African countries of top talents.

“Let me bring the case to a local perspective. Look at what FIFA is doing that is killing local talent who goes to Europe, only to become a European national team player.