The move comes as a huge news to Nigerian athletics, with the 21-year-old widely regarded as one of the finest sprint talents of her generation.

She affirmed that while she was proud of her career in Nigerian colours, repeated disappointments had left her with little choice.

“Wrapping up my 2025 season has been a whirlwind of new experiences and big decisions.

“As some of you have heard, I’m also starting a new chapter representing Turkey.

“I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way, having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets and reaching the Olympic 200 metres final,” she said.

Read Also: Ofili linked with Turkey switch

Ofili is the only Nigerian woman to run under 22 seconds in the 200m, holding the national record with a lifetime best of 21.96s.

Ofili’s decision mirrors previous high-profile departures, including Francis Obikwelu, Gloria Alozie and Femi Ogunode, who also left Nigeria to represent other nations.

Ofili will sit out the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as she completes the switch, before beginning the next phase of her career in Turkish colours.

Source: Punch