A former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Solomon Ogba has expressed total delight and excitement over the decision by the world’s sanctioning body to reject a switch to Türkiye by Favour Ofili.
Sports247 gathered that Ogba hailed World Athletics and its top officials for standing by Nigeria in Ofili’s case, as he emphasized that they have prevented a situation in which a country would reap where it did not sow.
Read Also: Oba Femi’s Name Hogs All Lips Ahead Of WrestleMania 42 This Weekend In Las Vegas
Ogba, who is an acclaimed politician, businessman and publisher, added that top officials of the global body must be particularly praised for helping Nigeria keep a hold on Ofili, rather than lose her to Türkiye through the power of money.
His reaction came after World Athletics cited several discrepancies in the application by Ofili, which was one of 11 submitted by Türkiye Athletics Federation, as part of a government-led recruitment ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
The former AFN top shot and leading personality from Delta State added that the decision that was announced on Wednesday helped Ofili escape from a trap that would have seen her switch allegiance to Türkiye but face regrets in the future.
“I want to specially thank the president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, who has proven to be a true friend of developing countries, members of the panel and the World Athletics family for standing with the truth.
“How can a country give an athlete the opportunity from primary school to the collegiate level, then a country that doesn’t believe in them come with bags full of money and snatch the athlete. It’s unfair, it’s unjust and should be discouraged.
“Most athletes who dumped Team Nigeria always come home to seek our help after their careers. My advice to our athlete is to stay where you are. The grass may look greener on the other side, but there is life after athletics.
“it is only your country that will allow you to be a coach, a manager, president of the federation and other opportunities after your career,” posited Ogba, who played a key role in helping many past and present Nigerian athletes grow into stars.
