The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it is reassessing its approach to athlete welfare amid reports that sprinter Favour Ofili may have opted to represent Turkey.

Although the federation has yet to receive formal confirmation from either the athlete or World Athletics, AFN President Tonobok Okowa acknowledged growing concern over the matter and said the situation is prompting broader discussions about support systems for Nigerian athletes.

“What we’ve read so far remains speculation, but if it turns out to be true, then Nigeria must step up when it comes to the welfare of athletes,” Okowa said in an interview with Making of Champs. “If Nigeria can invest more in athletes, it will go a long way.”

Ofili, 22, recently set a world best in the 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games.

According to reports, her decision to consider a nationality switch stems from dissatisfaction with how she was treated during past international competitions, particularly the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor reported that Ofili expressed her frustrations to the Athletics Integrity Unit, citing administrative lapses involving both the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

“She’s an adult, and she’s working closely with her coach,” Okowa said. “Offers like these are hard to ignore. We’ve seen this before. Countries are offering money and citizenship, and it’s not just Nigeria being targeted. Jamaicans, Kenyans and others are also in talks to change allegiance. So we must understand this in the wider context.”

Turkey has reportedly intensified its recruitment of foreign athletes, offering substantial incentives — up to $500,000 in some cases — to athletes willing to switch nationalities. The development has drawn comparisons to past instances involving Nigerian athletes who later competed for other nations, including Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar).

Okowa disclosed that he had made multiple efforts to re-establish contact with Ofili but had been unsuccessful.

“I’ve been trying to reach her. We had a strong relationship, even with her family. But suddenly, she blocked everyone. That was when I knew something was wrong,” he said.

Despite the circulating reports, World Athletics continues to list Ofili as a Nigerian athlete, and the Turkish Athletics Federation has not issued any statement on a nationality transfer.

The uncertainty comes ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Tokyo in September. Ofili is among Nigeria’s qualified athletes for the global event, but her potential absence could affect the country’s representation and performance.