Ofili mum as Jamaican track and field duo confirms switch to Turkey
Fresh off a Diamond League win in London with a leap of 8.20m, Jamaican long jumper Wayne Pinnock has confirmed his decision to switch allegiance from Jamaica to Turkey, citing long-term athlete welfare and a lack of recognition from Jamaica’s track and field authorities, writo Leighton Levy in Sportsmax.TV
In a post-meet interview, Pinnock revealed that he had not received a single congratulatory message from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) after winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
‘I could check my email right now — there wasn’t one ‘congratulations’ from the JAAA ever,” he said. “He’s the president, he’s the one responsible for everything. I haven’t received an email from him.’
Pinnock clarified that his comments were not directed at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) or the Ministry of Sport, both of which he praised for their support.
‘The JOA treats us with respect. I got a big congratulations from them for my medal. That’s something I never got from the JAAA.’
Alongside Pinnock, fellow Jamaican jumper Jaydon Hibbert has also confirmed his move to Turkey. The duo reportedly received offers that include signing bonuses of up to $500,000, monthly stipends, and long-term support through the 2032 Olympic cycle.
‘This decision wasn’t made lightly,’ Pinnock said. ‘Jaydon and I had a long talk about it. We’re both trying to secure our futures. It’s about knowing you’ll be taken care of even when your career ends.’
But while the Jamaican duo have gone public, Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili remains silent amid widespread reports that she too has filed to switch allegiance to Turkey.
Ofili reportedly submitted her application to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on May 31, 2025, citing years of frustration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
She missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to Nigeria’s non-compliance with doping protocols and was controversially omitted from the 100m event at Paris 2024, despite qualifying.
Ofili reportedly told close associates that her decision was not financially motivated, but stemmed from ‘administrative negligence’ and a lack of athlete protection.
Still, she has not publicly confirmed the switch, and as of July 24, 2025.
Sources suggest that Ofili may be waiting for clearance or a waiver from World Athletics, which typically enforces a three-year waiting period for athletes switching countries after competing in major events like the Olympics.
However, under Rule 4.6, exceptions can be granted in cases of systemic mismanagement or personal hardship.
If approved, Ofili would join a growing list of elite athletes leaving Nigeria for better support systems abroad — a list that includes Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie, and Femi Ogunode.
Despite the backlash, Pinnock remains firm: ‘I love my country. I did so much for Jamaica. But this is a life-changing opportunity. And as my coach always tells me — if you get one, take it.’
