By Rosemary Ugiomoh
Dr Solomon Ogba, former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and long-time stakeholder in global athletics, on Thursday commended World Athletics and its president, Sebastian Coe, for rejecting Favour Ofili’s application to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Türkiye.
World Athletics’ Nationality Review Panel turned down Ofili’s request. Her case was one of 11 applications filed by the Türkiye Athletics Federation, which the panel found to be tied to a state-driven recruitment campaign designed to bolster Türkiye’s squad ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In its report, the panel noted that approving such transfers would undermine core principles: safeguarding the credibility of national team competition and preventing the systematic poaching of athletes for Olympic medals. Though Ofili has secured Turkish citizenship and signed a lucrative club deal, she remains barred from representing Türkiye at National Representative Competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Reacting to the ruling, Dr Solomon Ogba called it “justice” not only for Team Nigeria but for developing nations that invest years in discovering and grooming talent. “Countries spend scarce resources nurturing athletes from primary school through secondary school and into the collegiate system,” Ogba said. “It is unfair and unjust for wealthier nations that showed no interest when these athletes were still raw potential to arrive later with bags of money and claim them. That practice must be discouraged.”
He praised Sebastian Coe , describing him as “a true friend of developing countries” and thanked the panel and the wider World Athletics family for “standing with the truth.”
Ogba also had a direct message for athletes. He urged them to stay focused and resist short-term inducements, pointing to examples of stars who reached the pinnacle without changing flags: “Usain Bolt didn’t need to switch allegiance to become one of the greatest. Julien Alfred proudly flies the flag of Saint Lucia. Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of our era, still wears Kenya’s colours.”
He cautioned athletes to be wary of managers, coaches, or friends who push nationality changes for quick financial gain, arguing that host nations often view such athletes as mere assets who traded loyalty for money. “The grass may look greener on the other side, but there is life after athletics,” Ogba said. “When careers end, it is your home country that gives you the chance to coach, manage, lead a federation, or serve in other capacities. Most athletes who left Team Nigeria eventually return seeking our help.”
Dr Ogba’s final plea was simple: think beyond the immediate payout and consider legacy. “Stay where you are, grow where you are planted, and let your success lift your nation,” he said.
