World Athletics has rejected an application by Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili to switch her sporting allegiance to Turkey.
The decision deals a major setback to the athlete’s hopes of competing for the European nation at the 2028 Olympic Games.
In a document released on Thursday, the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel said the request did not meet approval requirements.
The application had been submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation on Ofili’s behalf.
After reviewing the case, the panel ruled that approving the move would undermine key regulations governing international athletics.
“The application by the TAF for Favour Ofili to transfer allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey is not approved,” the panel stated.
The panel comprised Donna Raynor, Cydonie Motherskill, and Susanne van Waert.
