World Athletics has rejected an application by Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili to change her sporting nationality to Turkey.

The decision was disclosed on Thursday by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, which said the global body’s national review panel turned down the request.

According to the ruling, the application formed part of a broader attempt by the Turkish Athletics Federation to recruit foreign athletes to switch allegiance in a manner described as abrupt and largely driven by financial incentives.

Ofili was among 11 athletes whose nationality switch requests were submitted by Turkey. However, World Athletics stated that such recruitment practices threaten the integrity of international competitions and could discourage countries from nurturing local talent.

The body further warned that the trend risks displacing homegrown athletes with imported competitors, undermining the development of national sports systems.

The 23-year-old sprinter had initiated the process of changing allegiance in 2025, citing grievances with Nigerian athletics authorities. She had previously accused officials of neglect and actions she said hindered her career progression.

Ofili’s frustrations stem partly from past administrative lapses that affected her participation in major events. She missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after Nigerian officials failed to notify her of mandatory drug-testing requirements.

In a separate incident, she was unable to compete in the 100 metres at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the late submission of her entry by the federation.

The latest ruling means Ofili remains eligible to compete for Nigeria, as the dispute between the athlete and the country’s athletics authorities continues unresolved.