Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, will not participate in the Commonwealth Games Trials scheduled to take place this weekend at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, www.sportsbeat.ng reports
The trials, which run from Saturday to Monday, serve as the sole qualification event for the selection of Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
With many of Nigeria’s top athletes expected to compete for spots on the national team, Ofili’s absence is set to be one of the major talking points of the championship.
Her non-participation effectively rules her out of representing Nigeria at the Glasgow Games.
According to a source close to the athlete in the United States, Ofili remains eligible to compete for Nigeria after World Athletics reportedly rejected her nationality switch request to Turkey.
However, the 22-year-old has yet to decide on her international future following the disappointment of the failed transfer process.
“Favour is still trying to process everything that has happened in recent months. She is eligible to represent Nigeria, but she has not made a final decision on returning to compete for the country,” the source told our correspondent.
The source further revealed that Ofili has continued to receive support linked to her proposed switch of allegiance and is reportedly awaiting the outcome of an appeal by the Turkish Athletics Federation before making her next move.
“She is not mentally ready for the trials and will not be travelling to Nigeria this weekend. At the moment, she wants to focus on her career and evaluate her options carefully before making any commitments,” the source added.
Reports had earlier indicated that the Turkish Athletics Federation offered Ofili a lucrative package worth up to $500,000 in signing incentives, monthly stipends of $30,000, and performance bonuses that could reach $1 million for major championship medals.
The situation has been further complicated by Ofili’s reported dissatisfaction with officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), a factor that continues to cast doubt over her future with Team Nigeria.
Meanwhile, several of Nigeria’s leading athletes, including Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, are expected to compete at the trials despite being based in the United States.
Emerging stars such as Samuel Ogazi, Kanyinsola Ajayi and Temitope Adeshina are expected to feature as they seek qualification for Glasgow 2026.
An official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria expressed optimism that the trials would be successful and reiterated the federation’s desire to have all eligible athletes available for selection.
“All logistics have been put in place for a successful championship. We are expecting the country’s best athletes to compete, and we would be delighted to have Favour Ofili join Team Nigeria again. She remains one of our top athletes, and her participation would have been a major boost for the trials,” the AFN official said.
The Commonwealth Games Trials are expected to attract athletes from across the country as Nigeria begins preparations for a strong showing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
