Sports

JUST IN: Ofili Confirms Turkey Switch

Published

3 months ago

September 1, 2025

Nigeria sprinter, Favour Ofili, has confirmed she is switching allegiance to Turkey, bringing an end to her long-running fued with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, according to The PUNCH.

Reflecting on the move in a post via her Instagram page on Monday, Ofili said her decision followed months of reflection after a turbulent cycle in which she felt let down by the Nigerian federation.

She explained 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.

Ofili added that neglect from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee, particularly during the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, had contributed to her decision.

She stressed, however, that her switch was not financially motivated.

“While that means sitting out this year’s championships in Tokyo, this change comes from the heart, not from financial motives.

“I’m truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

“I also appreciate the support I got from my coach, agent, sponsor and loved ones during this difficult time,” she said.

Her announcement comes after the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, admitted the federation was struggling to prevent the exodus of elite athletes due to poor funding.

He confirmed Ofili’s switch during the National Athletics Championships in Lagos, warning that more athletes could follow suit unless urgent financial support arrived.

Okowa said countries like Turkey had stepped up efforts to recruit foreign talent, offering substantial incentives.

“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.

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.

Sports

EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash

Published

2 days ago

November 23, 2025

Editor

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.

ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.

The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.

It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.

Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.

Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.

Sports

EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

Published

4 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted Arsenal could be “difficult to catch” in the Premier League title race if they extend their lead at the top of the table.

City will have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead to one point when they travel to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Ahead of the game, Guardiola has warned his players that they have to keep pace with Arsenal, who will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“Arsenal are an impeccable team,” Guardiola said.

“If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up.

“Just like how it went with Liverpool last season.”

Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season.

Sports

Ikpoba-Okha Trade Tackles With Ovia N-East As Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off

Published

5 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Ikpoba-Okha LG traded tackles with Ovia North-East LG at the opening match of the maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup held at the Crescent Sports Club in Irhirhi, Benin City, on Thursday evening.

The seven local government councils in Edo South Senatorial District are expected to participate in the tourney sponsored by Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.

The match between the two LGs saw the players from both sides showcasing tactical organization, intensity, and individual brilliance, but neither team could find the breakthrough despite promising chances.

The draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talent-rich tournament, with scouts already keeping close watch on standout performers.

Both sides played out a cagey 0–0 draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talents-reach tourney.

‎In his remarks earlier, the tournament sponsor, and vision bearer Senator Imasuen, appreciated participating teams and officials for embracing the initiative.

He explained that the Unity Cup was designed to discover, nurture, and create pathways for grassroots footballers across Edo South, revealing that scouts from other parts of Nigeria — and possibly abroad — will attend live matches during the tournament.

READ ALSO:Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity
‎
‎Imasuen encouraged all players to give their best, emphasizing discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship as the core values of the competition.

Imasuen, who promised to make the football tournament an annual event, assured to consider other sports including boxing, cycling, tennis ,and basketball in the nearest future.
‎
‎ Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded Senator Imasuen for investing in grassroots football, describing the competition as a timely platform for youth development in Edo State.

‎He appealed to Senator Neda Imasuen, individuals and corporate bodies to extend similar support to other sporting disciplines, stressing that Edo State is home to many gifted athletes outside football who are yet to be discovered.

‎