Track Star Kelly Ufodiama Dump Nigeria For United States

Track Star Kelly Ufodiama Dumps Nigeria For United States

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s athletics team has suffered another potential loss as 20-year-old sprinter Kelly Ufodiama has reportedly switched her allegiance back to the United States, according to World Athletics, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Ufodiama had switched allegiance to Nigeria during the 2025 season, representing the country on the international stage.

The sprinter enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign, recording personal bests of 22.53 seconds in the 200 metres and 7.14 seconds in the 60 metres.

Her reported return to the United States comes as another setback for Nigeria’s athletics programme, which has continued to grapple with the challenge of retaining athletes with dual citizenship. 

Ufodiama’s switch will now bring renewed attention to the management and development of Nigeria’s track and field talents, particularly athletes eligible to represent multiple countries.