World Athletics, Ofili officially notifies AFN of switch to Turkey, as Okowa says move is financially induced, not neglect
By Uzor Odigbo
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Tonobok Okowa has stated that World Athletics (WA) and Favour Ofili have informed the federation regarding her switch to Turkey.
“AFN has been officially notified, and no objection has been raised. We have officially been informed of the development. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself,” he said.
Chief Okowa stressed that the athlete made the public believe she left Nigeria owing to crisis and clearly stated that the athlete left Nigeria for Turkey because of money and not neglect as she claimed in a recent social media post while confirming her departure.
Ofili had claimed that missing Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to missed whereabouts tests and her non-registration for Paris 2024 women’s 100m event prompted her decision to ditch Nigeria
“This change comes from the heart, not from financial motives,” Ofili wrote in her statement.
But Okowa speaking during an interview with ESPN sports said that was a lie put out there by the sprinter.
“Ofili herself knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are trying to make some money,” Okowa stated.
“The Kenyans and Jamaicans that are also going to Turkey, what reasons do they have? Let her go in peace. She’s an adult; she has the right to make her decision if she wants to switch allegiance or not.
“I don’t see anything wrong with that, but as far as I am concerned, if she wants to go, it’s okay. She’s an adult, but she should stop using these reasons as her excuse,” Okowa said.
Ofili, for signing on with Turkey will receive a grant of $500,000 and winning bonus of $1m if she is able to get a gold medal at the Olympics.
