By our reporter 17.4.2026
Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria president and stakeholder in global athletics, Solomon Ogba, said World Athletics was spot on with its decision to block Favour Ofili and a host of other athletes from pledging their allegiance to Turkey.
The World Athletics Nationality Review Panel on Thursday ruled that Turkey’s recruitment of athletes will undermine integrity of national competitions, discourage countries from developing homegrown talents, replacing local athletes with imported competitors and systematic recruitment of overseas athletes for Olympic representation.
Chief Ogba described the decision as justice not just for Team Nigeria but for many developing countries, which sweat day and night to develop athletes, only for those athletes to be snatched by other countries because of their economic power.
Ogba said, “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, its unjust and should be discouraged’’
Ogba urged athletes to be focused and more committed to their careers.
“Usain Bolt did not need to change allegiance before he became one of the very best in athletics, Julien Alfred did not dump Saint Lucia, Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathoner of all time, he is still wearing the colours of Kenya’’
He urged athletes to be wary of managers, coaches and friends who usually push them to make decisions that will have a negative impact on their career.
“Most athletes who dumped Team Nigeria always come home to seek our help after their careers. My advice to our athletes is…stay where you are.
“The grass may look greener on the other side, but there is life after athletics, and it is only your country that will allow you to be a coach, a manager, president of the federation and other opportunities after your career.”