Only Nigerian Woman to Run Under 22 Seconds in 200m, Holding National Record With Lifetime Best of 21.96s, Dump Country, Switches Allegiance to Turkey, Gives Reasons
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the track legend, Favour Ofili, the only Nigerian Woman who have run under 22 seconds in 200m, holding National record with lifetime best of 21.96s, has announced her decision to represent Turkey, ending her years of competing for Nigeria.
OTN News further reports that the 200-meter Olympic finalist who shared the news on her X handle, formerly Twitter, cited negligence by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) during the Tokyo and Paris Olympics as a key reason for her switch.
OTN News observes that Ofili, who has won six gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in championship meets for Nigeria, said that her decision was not financially motivated but came from the heart.
She is the only Nigerian woman to run under 22 seconds in the 200m, holding the national record with a lifetime best of 21.96s.
According to her, “Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions. Racing back to back across amazing cities and learning from the best has been incredible. As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing turkey.
“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way! Having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets and a 200 meter Olympic finalist while experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympic ( Tokyo/Paris) I have made this decision.
“While that means sitting out this year’s championship in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives. I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for all the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor #addidas and my loved ones during this difficult time.” she explained.
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