Nigeria’s top runner, Favour Ofili, reportedly offered $500,000 for switch of nationality to Turkey

At least $500,000, or nearly N800 million was reportedly promised Nigeria’s top sprinter, Favour Ofili in exchange of allegiance to Turkey.

The Turks, wanting to make an impression in world athletics, offered the mouth watering sum as sign on fee, another $30,000 as monthly stipends, and potential $1 million as medal bonuses to Ofili and a Jamaican athlete they recruited.

In her filing with the Athletes Integrity Unit, Ofili had listed that money was not the reason she was leaving Nigeria for Turkey.

If Ofili wins a medal for Turkey at the LA 2028 Olympic Games, she and her Jamaican counterparts will receive these financial rewards from the government, primarily in the form of 22-karat gold coins.

Gold medalists receive 1000 coins, silver medalists receive 600, and bronze medalists receive 300. These coins are valued at approximately $383,000 USD each, according to Business Insider.

Additionally, athletes who set Olympic records may receive a bonus. These financial incentives are substantial and serve as a significant motivator for Turkish athletes.

Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Tonobok Okowa, said it would be sad losing Ofili, if the reports of her decision turn out to be true.

“If this is true, it is sad, disheartening and painful, but we are yet to get any official statement from her or any correspondence from World Athletics (WA) on her request. She is a promising athlete with huge potential.

“The AFN and the National Sports Commission (NSC), have been working hard to get athletics and other sports in the country back on track and to show that both bodies are matching goals, objectives and words with action, Favour Ofili had already been paid her training grant for this year,” Okowa said