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The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, has confirmed that United States-based sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey, calling for urgent financial support from both government and private sponsors to prevent further loss of the country’s elite athletes to foreign nations, Tidesports source reports.
Okowa made the revelation during a press briefing at the 2025 National Athletics Championship, held at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Ofili’s switch comes just months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Although her name still appears under Nigeria on the World Athletics website, federation insiders say the change is imminent.
In an emotional address, Okowa stated that the development highlights a long-standing issue that continues to deprive the country of its top athletic prospects.
“I can tell you that most of our elite athletes are already being approached by other countries to change their nationality and allegiance,” he said.
“And as we speak, Favour Ofili has been taken by the Turkish Federation.”
Okowa explained that financial inducements were a major reason athletes like Ofili are walking away from Nigeria.
“The kind of money they put on the table to get her is not something many athletes would refuse. That is why we are pleading with Nigeria as a nation and our government to come out and support us, so we don’t keep losing our athletes,” he said.
Reports indicate that Turkey, which has stepped up its recruitment of foreign athletes in recent months, offers as much as $500,000 to top performers willing to make the switch.
The move mirrors a disturbing pattern Nigeria has faced in the past, with talents such as Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie and Femi Ogunode abandoning the country for more structured systems abroad.
Okowa, visibly concerned, reiterated that the federation’s most pressing challenge is inadequate funding, and called on the private sector to rise to the occasion and support the development of homegrown talents.
“We need more sponsors to come on board and support the welfare of these athletes,” he said.
“That is our most urgent issue. The government cannot do it alone.”
Highlighting the calibre of talent available, the AFN president said he was particularly impressed by the performance of the men’s 100 metres event at the championship, noting that Nigeria’s male sprinters have matured and are now capable of challenging the best globally.
“Our boys have come of age and they are performing well. They are in shape now,” he said.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has hailed Carloha Nigeria, the exclusive distributor and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, for their support for Nigerian football after the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON triumph in Morocco.
Carloha hosted the victorious Super Falcons at its showroom in Alapere, Lagos, last week.
Speaking at the event, Gusau commended Carloha for its unwavering commitment to the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
“We are proud to partner with Carloha and Chery towards the development of sports in Nigeria,” Gusau stated.Next
“The Super Falcons’ victory reinforces the importance of investing in our national teams. Carloha’s support exemplifies corporate patriotism, and we believe this partnership marks the beginning of a fruitful and impactful relationship.”
Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Sola Adigun, said the company’s support extends beyond sponsorship to creating meaningful platforms that elevate Nigerian talent and inspire community engagement.
“It is a great honour to welcome our champions, the Super Falcons, whose victory is a source of inspiration to all Nigerians. Our partnership with the NFF is built on shared values—excellence, resilience, and national pride. This celebration goes beyond football; it is about believing in what’s possible when we unite behind a vision.”
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the players, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Carloha.
“We’re grateful not just for this victory, but for being seen, celebrated, and supported by brands like Carloha. It means the world to us. This win is for Nigeria and for everyone who continues to believe in the power of women’s football,” she said.
The announcement, made on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Lafia, marks a new chapter for the Solid Miners as they look to build on their performance from last season.
Mbwas takes over from Coach Salisu Yusuf, who parted ways with the club by mutual agreement and has since taken up a new coaching role in the Republic of Benin. Yusuf was credited with helping Nasarawa United avoid relegation during the just-concluded season.
A seasoned tactician, the 47-year-old Mbwas hails from Plateau State and brings a wealth of experience, having managed top-tier clubs such as Heartland FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers. He holds a CAF B coaching licence and recently led Plateau United to a 7th-place finish in the NPFL.
Club Chairman, Mr Solomon Babanjah, expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to take the club to greater heights.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Mangut Mbwas, who is one of the finest coaches in the country, into the Nasarawa United family,” Babanjah stated. “His appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter as we aim for improved performance and possibly a continental ticket this season. His coaching philosophy aligns with the club’s long-term vision.”
Also speaking, Coach Mangut Mbwas expressed delight over the appointment and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I am aware that many qualified coaches applied for this job, so I feel privileged to be chosen,” Mbwas said. “We have strategic plans in place, and we intend to act differently this season to achieve the desired results. The support from government and stakeholders gives me assurance that success is within reach.”
He added that his goal is to return Nasarawa United to continental football and hinted at fortifying the team with a few exceptional players to improve competitiveness.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, described the appointment as timely and strategic.
“Our club is making history today with the unveiling of a technically sound and globally experienced coach,” he said. “We did our research before presenting his name to our sports-loving Governor, who gave his approval.”
“We will not interfere with your technical duties,” Kwanta noted. “You have the liberty to recruit players from anywhere in the world to improve the squad.”
Others present at the unveiling ceremony included the Director of Sports, Mallam Ubah Musa; Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, Mr Salisu Galadima; Board Members of Nasarawa United FC; members of the club’s coaching crew; and representatives of the supporters’ club.
Nasarawa United is currently participating in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Cup in Lafia. The team is set to begin their 2025/26 NPFL campaign with an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, August 24, in Minna—Coach Mbwas’s first official test in charge of the Solid Miners.
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