The National Sports Commission has clarified that it has not received any official communication from Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili regarding her alleged switch of allegiance to Turkey.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, made this known during a news conference at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, despite the news circulating about Ofili’s switch, she remains a Nigerian athlete for now.
He said that Ofili’s decision is reportedly due to administrative issues and neglect by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, including missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 100m event at the Paris Olympics.
“The NSC has not received any official communication from Ofili regarding her switch.
“The NSC has been supporting Ofili through its Elite Athletes Programme (EAP), which provides grants to elite athletes to aid their preparation for major competitions.
“The commission provides annual grants of 20,000 U.S. dollars to athletes on Category A of the Elite Programme, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s performance in international sports,” Olopade stated.
Olopade emphasised the commission’s commitment to supporting athletes both in their sporting endeavors and in life beyond competition.
“Athletes’ welfare is non-negotiable,” he said.
Olopade highlighted the establishment of an Elite Athletes and Podium Board to address issues related to athlete support and performance.
Olopade said that the commission has done a lot behind the scenes to support athletes and will continue.
