Urgent Call for Reform in Sports Governance
Governance in sports is under scrutiny, as illustrated by World Athletics’ recent refusal of Nigerian sprinter Favor Ofili and ten other athletes’ applications to switch their national allegiance to Turkiye. The governing body expressed concern over a government-supported strategy to acquire foreign athletes under lucrative contracts. World Athletics emphasized that this practice jeopardizes the integrity of domestic competitions and discourages countries from nurturing their own talent, essentially replacing local athletes with those imported for competition.
Ofili’s denied application signifies a lost opportunity for her to seek redress against the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). This situation arises after she was disqualified from competing in the 100m events at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. World Athletics clarified that the decision to reject the transfers—five Kenyans, four Jamaicans, and one Russian, alongside Ofili—was based on a review of applications from the Turkiye Athletics Federation, all linked to state-backed recruitment initiatives in anticipation of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This citizenship transfer rule has been a contentious issue for years, allowing athletes with disputes against their national federations to compete for other countries. Nigeria has seen a significant exodus of talent, with athletes like Glory Aloji moving to Spain and Francis Obikwelu to Portugal. Other notable cases include Eberechukwu Agbapwonwu (now Salwa Eid Nasser) representing Bahrain and Femi Ogunode competing for Qatar. These athletes have brought recognition to their adopted nations, even as Nigeria grappled with their loss.
World Athletics’ decisive action reflects a commitment to ensure that nations do not reap the benefits of resources they did not invest in. Governments must prioritize the development of homegrown talent, focusing on grassroots initiatives rather than recruiting established athletes. The Turkiye Athletics Federation’s attempt to acquire eleven athletes appears to be a desperate attempt to shortcut the arduous path to Olympic success ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, echoing Bahrain’s prior strategies.
Ofili’s circumstances warrant particular attention. Her previous dealings with the AFN have left her justifiably frustrated. Among nine Nigerian athletes barred from participating in the Tokyo Olympics due to AFN’s failure to conduct required out-of-competition drug tests, she faced further issues leading to her exclusion from the Paris 2024 Games. Ofili was only informed hours prior to the race that her registration had not been finalized, depriving her of a hard-earned opportunity. Thus far, no accountability has been established for this apparent negligence.
It is imperative for Nigeria’s sports authorities to address these governance issues with urgency. The National Sports Commission (NSC) must improve the welfare of its elite and promising athletes through an effective national federation system. Ensuring that officials responsible for athlete welfare are held accountable could significantly reduce the trend of Nigerian athletes transferring to other nations. However, in light of World Athletics blocking Ofili’s transfer to Turkiye, it is equally crucial to address her grievances and work toward her reintegration into the Nigerian athletic community.
