Yan Nigeria
World Athletics has confirmed that it is yet to review or approve any of the four transfer of allegiance applications submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation.
Note that the move is linked to the recent wave of high-profile athlete switches to the European nation, including Nigeria’s Favour Ofili.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the global athletics governing body revealed that while it has received four applications from Turkey, none have been processed or approved.
“We can confirm that the Nationality Review Panel has received four applications from the Turkish Member Federation requesting athlete transfers. These applications have neither been reviewed as of yet, nor approved by the NRP,” World Athletics said.
The body did not reveal the identities of the applicants, citing confidentiality and the need to protect the integrity of the process.
“The NRP will review these applications through the standard procedures over the course of the next few months, during which the athletes may not compete for any federation,” the statement added.
World Athletics further clarified that, even if the applications are successful, the athletes would still be subject to a mandatory three-year waiting period before they can represent their new country.
The development follows the recent confirmation by three elite Jamaican athletes, Olympic discus champion Roje Stona, shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell, and world U-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert, that they have officially switched allegiance to Turkey. Another Jamaican star, Wayne Pinnock, is also reportedly being courted.
Favour Ofili’s purported switch has sparked significant discussion within Nigerian athletics circles.
The 22-year-old, who qualified for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo while competing for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was reported to have cited frustrations with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) at both the Tokyo and Paris Games as the reason for her decision.
Sources say Ofili has informed the Athletics Integrity Unit of her position, emphasizing that the move was not financially motivated.
Meanwhile, Turkish sports officials appear open about their intentions. Speaking with Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor, Turkey’s Sports Ministry senior consultant Onder Ozbilen confirmed that the country has been reaching out to top talents to boost their global competitiveness.
“Yes, we are in discussion. Our aim is to elevate our competitive profile on the global stage, and we have long admired Jamaica’s athletic talent,” Ozbilen said.
According to Punch, Turkey is offering up to $500,000 as signing bonuses, in addition to attractive monthly stipends and six-figure incentives for podium finishes at global championships. The package is said to be increasingly tempting for athletes from countries with underfunded federations.
In response to the reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria said it has not received any formal notification from Turkey or World Athletics regarding Ofili’s case.
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