Okowa: Ofili’s Turkey Switch Driven By Money, Not Negligence

Okowa: Ofili’s Turkey Switch Driven By Money, Not Negligence

Sampson Adedeji

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa, has claimed that Favour Ofili’s decision to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey was motivated by financial gain, not negligence from Nigerian sports administrators as the athlete suggested, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Okowa confirmed that both World Athletics and Ofili herself had formally communicated the decision to the AFN.

“They have officially informed us — both World Athletics and the athlete herself,” he said.

Ofili had attributed her decision to repeated neglect by Nigerian officials during the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but Okowa dismissed the explanation, insisting money was the driving factor.

 “Ofili knows the whole truth. This is all about money. She and her coach are just trying to make some money,” Okowa told ESPN.

 “There’s nothing wrong with that — she’s an adult — but she should stop using those reasons as an excuse.”

Okowa further pointed out that several other athletes, including Kenyans and Jamaicans, have recently switched to Turkey for similar reasons.

 “Let her go in peace. She’s an adult, and she has every right to make her decision,” he concluded.