AFN Welcomes Ofili Back Amid Funding Crisis in Nigerian Athletics
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially welcomed sprint star Favour Ofili back into its fold after World Athletics rejected her bid to switch allegiance to Türkiye. But beyond the celebratory tone, the case has exposed a deeper crisis in Nigerian sports: the chronic underfunding of athletes.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed delight at Ofili’s return, calling for unity and encouragement around one of Nigeria’s brightest talents.
‘What she needs most from stakeholders is love, support, encouragement and more love,’ Okowa said. Yet the broader context of her attempted transfer raises uncomfortable questions about how Nigeria supports its athletes compared to other nations.
Ofili, who last represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had signed a contract in Türkiye worth $10,000 per month until 2028, followed by $5,000 per month until 2032.
That figure dwarfs the maximum $10,000 per year training grant provided by the AFN and Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC). In effect, Türkiye was prepared to pay Ofili in one month what Nigeria offers in an entire year.
World Athletics blocked the transfer, ruling that it was part of a government‑led recruitment drive designed to attract foreign athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Panel warned that such strategies undermine the integrity of national competitions and discourage the development of homegrown talent. While Ofili remains eligible to compete for Nigeria, she cannot represent Türkiye internationally.
The ruling has sparked debate at home.
Nigerian athletes have long complained about delayed prize money, with Golden League payments often arriving more than a month after competitions.
Many are not paid for camping until they protest, and when payments eventually come, they are described as ‘peanuts’ compared to international standards.
The Ofili case, analysts argue, is a wake‑up call: if Nigeria cannot provide adequate financial support, its best athletes will continue to look abroad for opportunities.
For now, the AFN hopes Ofili’s return will boost Nigeria’s sprint prospects. But the bigger question remains unanswered: what will change if athletes at home continue to face neglect, delayed payments, and meager grants, while rival nations invest heavily in their stars?
