“Bad Leadership Is Killing Nigerian Sports” — Chioma Ajunwa Blames Officials as Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria for Turkey
In a passionate outcry that reflects the frustrations of many Nigerian sports lovers, Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah, Nigeria's first Olympic gold medalist, has spoken out strongly against the poor leadership plaguing Nigeria’s sporting industry. The legendary athlete made this known in reaction to the shocking news that one of Nigeria's brightest sprinting stars, Favour Ofili, has reportedly switched her nationality from Nigeria to Turkey.
Ajunwa, who made history at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games by becoming the first Nigerian (and African woman) to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event (long jump), took to social media to express her deep disappointment. In a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the veteran athlete did not mince words.
“The Nigerian sports federation needs a lot of work,” she wrote.
“Losing Nigerian citizens to other countries like Turkey is a sign of bad leadership. From athletics to football and other sports, we have amazing talents who end up winning medals, flying the flags of other countries.”
These statements have stirred conversations across the Nigerian sports community and beyond, as Ajunwa’s comments highlight a growing problem—the increasing exodus of Nigerian athletes to other nations, particularly countries that offer better training facilities, financial incentives, and career stability.
Favour Ofili’s Departure: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem
The immediate spark for Ajunwa’s reaction was the news surrounding Favour Chukwuka Ofili, one of Nigeria's fastest sprinters and a rising global track sensation. Born in 2002, Ofili has consistently proven herself to be a world-class athlete. She has represented Nigeria in several major competitions, including the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.
Ofili, who currently trains in the United States and has competed for Louisiana State University (LSU), reportedly completed a nationality switch that will now allow her to compete for Turkey in future international competitions. This move, while shocking to many Nigerian fans, is sadly not unusual.
In recent years, Nigeria has watched many of its finest athletes switch allegiances—not because they do not love their country, but because the system fails to support their dreams. Countries like Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar, the UK, and even the USA have benefited from Nigeria’s loss. In fact, during the last few editions of the Olympics and World Championships, athletes with Nigerian roots have won medals for other countries.
Chioma Ajunwa’s Warning: “Bad Leadership” Must Be Addressed
Chioma Ajunwa’s social media post served as both a warning and a wake-up call. As a former athlete who reached the highest level of success, she understands the dedication it takes to succeed in sports—and how quickly that dedication can be discouraged by poor governance, mismanagement, and neglect.
“The Nigerian sports federation needs a lot of work,” she emphasized, pointing to the lack of vision and organization within the nation's sports bodies.
Ajunwa’s criticism touches on deep systemic problems, including:
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Poor funding for athletes
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Lack of modern training facilities
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Unpaid allowances and bonuses
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Favoritism and corruption in sports administration
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Failure to build and sustain sports development programs
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Neglect of grassroots sports
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Lack of athlete welfare and career planning
These issues have led to a situation where even athletes who want to represent Nigeria are often pushed away by frustration. Many of them relocate abroad, acquire dual citizenship, and then represent countries that offer them structure, dignity, and better conditions.
A Worrying Trend in Nigerian Athletics and Beyond
Ajunwa’s criticism is not limited to track and field. She points out that across various sports—from athletics to football to wrestling and weightlifting—Nigeria is consistently losing her finest talents to other nations.
In football, for example, several Nigerian-born players now represent countries such as England, the Netherlands, and Germany. In athletics, the list of Nigerian-born athletes who now compete for countries like the USA, Bahrain, and Turkey keeps growing.
This raises an important question: Why is Nigeria unable to retain and develop its own athletes?
The answer, Ajunwa suggests, lies in poor leadership and lack of foresight. While other countries invest heavily in talent identification, coaching, medical support, and athlete education, Nigeria continues to operate sports as an afterthought—often only paying attention during Olympic years or major tournaments.
What Needs to Change? Chioma Ajunwa Offers a Roadmap
Though her tone was stern, Chioma Ajunwa's message offers a path forward. Her call is a demand for the government and sports authorities to take athlete welfare seriously and completely overhaul the current system.
Here are some reforms she has advocated for in the past, and which her latest post indirectly points toward:
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Proper Leadership in Sports Federations: Appointing qualified professionals who understand the technical, financial, and emotional needs of athletes.
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Investment in Infrastructure: Building standard training facilities in every geopolitical zone to reduce the need for athletes to go abroad.
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Grassroots Development: Catching them young by supporting schools, community competitions, and local clubs.
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Consistent Funding and Sponsorship: Creating funding mechanisms to ensure athletes are paid their allowances and have access to nutrition, equipment, and travel.
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Transparency and Accountability: Eliminating corruption and favoritism that often discourage talented athletes.
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Career Development Support: Helping athletes transition to life after sports, including education and job placement.
Nigerian Sports at a Crossroads
Chioma Ajunwa’s voice carries the weight of experience and achievement. Her gold medal in Atlanta 1996 remains one of Nigeria’s proudest sporting moments. Yet, nearly three decades later, the challenges she faced are still the same—or even worse.
The fact that athletes like Favour Ofili, who have represented Nigeria with pride and potential, are now opting out of the system is not just a loss of talent—it is a national disgrace. It reflects a failure of vision, and unless urgent steps are taken, more athletes will continue to leave.
Conclusion: Can Nigeria Stop the Exodus of Athletes?
As Nigeria prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and other international sporting events, the time to act is now. Chioma Ajunwa's warning should not be ignored. Her voice, and the decisions of athletes like Favour Ofili, are a mirror held up to the country’s sports leadership.
If we want to see Nigerian athletes compete—and win—under the green-white-green flag in the future, serious reforms must begin today. Nigeria must not continue to serve as a breeding ground for talent that other countries harvest and celebrate.
Chioma Ajunwa’s message is clear:
“Losing Nigerian citizens to other countries like Turkey is a sign of bad leadership.”
It’s time for those in charge to listen, learn, and act.
