World Athletics Blocks Favour Ofili’s Switch from Nigeria to Turkey

Global athletics governing body World Athletics has rejected a request by Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili to change her sporting nationality to Turkey, dealing a major setback to her plans to compete under a new flag.

The decision was disclosed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, which said World Athletics’ Nationality Review Panel turned down the application after scrutinising the circumstances surrounding the proposed transfer.

Ofili was part of a bulk request involving 11 athletes submitted by the Turkish Athletics Federation. However, the panel raised strong concerns about what it described as a systematic recruitment drive targeting foreign athletes and facilitating rapid nationality switches.

According to the findings, such transfers appeared to be driven by largely “mercenary” motivations, with World Athletics warning that approving them could undermine the integrity of global competitions.

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The governing body also cautioned that aggressive recruitment of foreign athletes risks weakening national development systems, potentially sidelining homegrown talent in favour of imported competitors.

The 23-year-old sprinter began the process of switching allegiance in 2025 after expressing frustration with athletics administration in Nigeria. She had publicly accused officials of mismanagement and actions that hindered her career progression on the international stage.

Despite reportedly obtaining Turkish citizenship, the rejection means Ofili remains ineligible to represent Turkey in major competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships.

Ofili is one of Nigeria’s top track athletes, holding the national women’s 200m record with a time of 21.96 seconds, alongside a personal best of 10.78 seconds in the 100m, both set in 2022.

The decision underscores World Athletics’ increasingly strict stance on nationality transfers, as it seeks to preserve competitive balance and ensure that athletes maintain genuine ties to the countries they represent.

For now, Ofili’s international future remains uncertain, with questions lingering over whether she will continue to compete for Nigeria or explore other options within the rules of global athletics.

World Athletics Blocks Favour Ofili’s Switch from Nigeria to Turkey

Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

Bayern Munich have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid, sealing a 6-4 aggregate win in one of the most electrifying ties of the season.

The Champions League quarter-final second leg delivered fireworks from the outset, with five goals scored in a chaotic first half. Real Madrid took the lead three different times, but Bayern responded on each occasion, showcasing resilience and attacking depth.

England captain Harry Kane was once again central to Bayern’s success, scoring his 50th goal of the season, a remarkable milestone that underlines his impact since joining the German giants. Madrid, however, refused to back down, pushing Bayern to the limit in a pulsating encounter.

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After the break, the tempo slowed as both teams adopted a more cautious, tactical approach. With the tie delicately poised and extra time looming, the decisive moment came late in the game. Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card for a foul on Kane, leaving the Spanish side with 10 men at a crucial stage.

Bayern took full advantage. In the closing moments, Luis Díaz combined with Jamal Musiala before curling a deflected strike into the top corner, scoring his 24th goal of the season and effectively deciding the tie.

Any hopes of a late Madrid comeback were extinguished in extra time when Michael Olise added Bayern’s fourth goal of the night, sealing a famous win and sending the Bundesliga side through.

With this victory, Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid becomes one of the standout fixtures of this season’s UEFA Champions League, highlighting Bayern’s attacking power and determination.

The German champions will now face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster Champions League semi-final, setting up a high-stakes clash between two of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.

Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

Paris Saint-Germain have eliminated Liverpool FC from the UEFA Champions League after a tense second leg at Anfield, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice to secure a 2–0 win on the night and progression to the semi-finals.

PSG entered the return leg with a two-goal advantage from the first meeting in Paris and were forced to withstand heavy pressure in a noisy Anfield atmosphere. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, pushed aggressively from the start but were repeatedly frustrated by PSG’s defensive structure and goalkeeping resilience.

The first half saw chances at both ends, with PSG creating early openings through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, both denied by key saves from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. At the other end, Liverpool struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities despite moments of attacking intent.

Liverpool’s night took a further hit with injury concerns to Hugo Ekitike, forcing an early tactical reshuffle that saw Mohamed Salah introduced earlier than planned, after Alexander Isak had been handed a surprise starting role.

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PSG came closest before the break but failed to capitalise on several openings, including a missed chance by Dembélé from a promising position. Liverpool also had appeals overturned after a VAR review denied a penalty following a challenge involving Willian Pacho and Alexis Mac Allister.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute when Dembélé latched onto a pass from Kvaratskhelia and finished clinically to give PSG control of the tie. As Liverpool pushed forward in search of a comeback, gaps opened in their defence, which PSG exploited in transition.

Late in the game, substitute Bradley Barcola set up Dembélé for a simple close-range finish, sealing the victory and confirming Liverpool’s elimination from the competition.

The result marks another disappointing European exit for Liverpool, who fail to progress beyond the knockout stages despite expectations of a deep run. PSG, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a first UEFA Champions League title and will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals