The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has welcomed sprinter Favour Ofili back into its fold after World Athletics rejected her application to change sporting nationality.

In a statement on Thursday, the federation confirmed that the 23-year-old remains eligible to compete for Nigeria, ending months of uncertainty over her international future.

World Athletics declined the request, citing concerns that approving such applications could undermine the integrity of the sport. The governing body noted that Ofili’s case was reviewed alongside several others.

Reacting to the decision, AFN President Tonobok Okowa called for renewed support for the athlete, stressing the need to create an enabling environment for her success.

The federation described her return as an opportunity to rebuild trust and strengthen ties with athletes ahead of upcoming competitions.

Ofili had sought to switch allegiance following frustrations with administrative lapses in the Nigerian system. She was previously affected by compliance issues that ruled her out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was later excluded from the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Games, although she finished sixth in the 200m final.