Ogba Praises World Athletics for Rejecting Ofili’s Switch, But Faces Criticism Over His Own Record

Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) president, Solomon Ogba, has applauded World Athletics’ decision to reject sprinter Favour Ofili’s application to change allegiance from Nigeria to Türkiye.

The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel denied Ofili’s request, ruling that approving the transfer would undermine the credibility of national competitions and encourage systematic recruitment of overseas athletes for Olympic representation.

Ofili’s case was one of 11 applications submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation, which the panel linked to a government-led strategy to strengthen its teams ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Despite being granted Turkish citizenship and signing a lucrative club contract, Ofili remains ineligible to represent Türkiye in major competitions such as the World Championships or Olympic Games.

Ogba hailed the ruling as a victory for developing nations, but his comments have drawn criticism from stakeholders who argue he lacks the moral authority to condemn a system he once benefited from.

During his tenure as AFN president, Ogba oversaw the recruitment of American-born athletes to represent Nigeria under the pretext of being part of the diaspora.

Among them were Lindsay Lindley (who openly rejected the ‘Weyinme’ name added to her identity), Antwon Hicks, Mark Jelks, and Rae Monzavous Edwards.

Critics point out that many of these athletes had little or no visible connection to Nigeria beyond tenuous claims of ancestry, often linked to Ogba’s Delta State roots.

‘I want to specially thank the president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, a true friend of developing countries, members of the panel and the World Athletics family for standing with the truth.

‘How can a country give an athlete the opportunity for his or her talent to blossom from primary school, to secondary school and to the collegiate level, then a country that doesn’t believe in the athlete when he or she is just a potential, come with bags full of money and snatch the athlete, it’s unfair, it’s unjust and should be discouraged,’ Ogba said.

He urged athletes to remain loyal to their countries, citing Usain Bolt, Julien Alfred, and Eliud Kipchoge as examples of stars who achieved greatness without switching allegiance.

Yet, despite Ogba’s appeal, Nigeria’s own record in athlete welfare remains under scrutiny. The country has consistently failed to provide adequate support systems, relying heavily on the American collegiate system to nurture and develop talent.

Ofili herself is a prime example, her rise to prominence came largely through training and competition opportunities in the United States, not through structures provided at home.

ck of investment in athlete development within Nigeria continues to push many towards opportunities outside the country.