The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has moved to address mounting concerns over athlete welfare following widespread reports that sprint star Favour Ofili may have switched her sporting allegiance to Turkey.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa confirmed that while there has been no official communication from either the athlete or World Athletics, the development has triggered serious introspection within Nigerian athletics.

“If Nigeria can invest more in athletes, it will go a long way,” Okowa said in an interview with Making of Champs. “We’re hearing that even countries in the Arab world are beginning to adopt similar strategies to what Turkey is doing. The concern isn’t only about Ofili—it’s also about others we haven’t yet heard about.”

Okowa emphasized that, although the news remains speculative, the situation highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to overhaul its athlete management and support systems.

The 22-year-old sprinter, who recently set a world record in the 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, is said to be increasingly disillusioned with the Nigerian sports administration. She reportedly cited administrative lapses, which affected her participation in both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as key reasons for her frustration.

Renowned Jamaican journalist Kayon Raynor reported that Ofili had communicated her discontent with both the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to the Athletics Integrity Unit.

Okowa acknowledged Ofili’s growing dissatisfaction and pointed to the lure of substantial financial incentives being offered by other nations as a major factor behind the increasing trend of nationality switches.

“She’s an adult and is working closely with her coach. Offers like these are hard to ignore,” he said.
“This isn’t just happening in Nigeria. Jamaican, Kenyan, and other athletes are also being approached. We need to see this in a global context.”

Turkey has reportedly intensified its recruitment of international talent, allegedly offering up to $500,000 to athletes willing to switch nationalities.

This trend echoes previous high-profile cases involving Nigerian athletes such as Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar), all of whom went on to achieve significant international success after changing allegiances.

Okowa revealed that he had personally tried reaching out to Ofili and her family, with whom he previously shared a close relationship, but all communication efforts had been unsuccessful.

“I’ve tried multiple times to contact her. Suddenly, she blocked everyone. That’s when I realized something was wrong,” he said.

As of now, World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete, and the Turkish Athletics Federation has not made any official announcement regarding her status. However, with the 2025 World Athletics Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo, her potential absence poses a significant blow to Nigeria’s medal hopes.

Ofili had already qualified for the global event, making the uncertainty surrounding her status all the more critical to Nigeria’s international athletic aspirations.

Spain striker Esther González scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.

On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.

Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky López to score the second goal five minutes later.

The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.

“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”

There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.

The Spaniards were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmatí from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martín-Prieto.

“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.

Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.

“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.

“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”

Italy Edge Belgium in Tight Contest to Secure First Euro Win Since 2017

With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.

Italy won their first match in the Women’s European Championship since 2017 as Arianna Caruso struck just before the break to give them a 1-0 victory over Belgium in their Group B opener on Thursday.

Lucia Di Guglielmo’s quick pass from the right found Caruso unguarded just outside the box and the Bayern Munich midfielder calmly curled a right-footed shot away from keeper Lisa Lichtfus to find the net at the near post.

“It was what we wanted, the first match is always complicated,” coach Andrea Soncin told RAI after Italy made their first winning start in the tournament since 2009. “We can definitely improve and we must if we want to continue to grow, but I am happy with the attitude we showed.”

Player of the match Caruso probed the Belgian defence with multiple attempts in the first 20 minutes, after the match began with a minute’s silence following the death of Portuguese national men’s team striker Diogo Jota in a car accident.

Belgium had more of the ball in the first half and made 10 attempts, two more than Italy, but failed to take the lead when Mariam Toloba shot wide in the 26th minute and Tessa Wullaert missed the target from close range four minutes before Caruso’s goal.

Lichtfus’s quick reflexes saved Cristiana Girelli’s close range back-flick in the 64th minute to keep Belgium in the game, but the 2022 quarter-finalists were unable to find an equaliser as Italy made their first winning start in the tournament since 2009.

Italy will continue their campaign against Portugal on Monday, while Belgium play Nations League winners Spain.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has passed away at the age of 61. He died in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness that had kept him out of the public eye for several years. 

Celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest goalkeepers, Rufai enjoyed an illustrious career that spanned two decades, playing for local clubs like Stationery Stores as well as European sides such as Go Ahead Eagles, Farense, and Deportivo La Coruña. 

He made 65 appearances for the Nigerian national team, featured in two FIFA World Cups, and was a key figure in the Super Eagles’ historic 1994 AFCON triumph. Though his family is yet to release an official statement, his former teammate Waidi Akanni confirmed the sad news.

Who Was Peter Rufai? 

Peter Rufai was a retired Nigerian goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the finest in the nation’s football history. Fondly called ‘Dodo Mayana’, he stood out for his composure, leadership, and shot-stopping ability, often compared to later stars like Vincent Enyeama. He represented clubs across Africa and Europe, building a respected career that left a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports.

Early Life of Legendary Super Eagles Goalkeeper

Peter Rufai was born on August 24, 1963, in Oshodi, Lagos State, into a royal family from the Idimu area. Raised in a polygamous household, he experienced a relatively privileged upbringing more comfortable than what was typical for many children of his era.

Following the death of his father in early 1998, his club at the time, Deportivo La Coruña, granted him leave to return home and engage in succession discussions. However, Rufai chose to forgo the traditional throne, reaffirming his deep commitment to football.

He was married to Mikaila Rufai, and their union is blessed with four children.

Rufai’s Football Career

Peter Rufai began his football journey with Stationery Stores FC and Femo Scorpions, where his exceptional goalkeeping skills quickly drew attention.

After making his mark locally, he took his first step onto the international stage in 1986, signing with AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé in the Benin Republic. Although specific details of his time at the club remain limited, his performances there were impressive enough to spark interest from European scouts, paving the way for the next chapter of his career abroad.

Career In Europe

Following an impressive season with AS Dragons, Peter Rufai caught the attention of European clubs and signed with Belgian side KSC Lokeren in the summer of 1987. He spent four solid years there before moving to KSK Beveren in 1991, where he played for another two seasons.

In the 1993/94 campaign, Rufai joined Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles, making 12 appearances as the team finished 12th in the Eredivisie. The following year, he moved to Portugal to play for SC Farense, where his influence was pivotal helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time in its history. His standout performances earned him a move to Hércules CF in Spain in 1997, but limited opportunities and the team’s relegation made it a challenging stint.

In the summer of 1998, Rufai signed with Deportivo La Coruña as a backup goalkeeper. He featured in just nine matches over two seasons, contributing mostly as a squad player. As his career neared its end, he returned to Portugal in 1999 to join Gil Vicente, making a single appearance before retiring in 2000.

Three years after his retirement, Rufai settled in Spain, where he channeled his passion into mentoring young talents by establishing a goalkeeping school.

International Career

The highly respected goalkeeper earned 65 caps for Nigeria during his international career. As the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, Rufai featured in both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup tournaments, solidifying his place in Nigerian football history.

He was also between the sticks when Nigeria clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Tunisia in 1994. In a memorable moment on July 24, 1993, Rufai joined the ranks of goalkeepers who’ve scored, confidently converting a penalty in a 6-0 victory over Ethiopia during an AFCON qualifier. He brought his international journey to a close in 2000, capping off a distinguished 20-year football career.

Football Academy 

Driven by a passion to give back, Rufai established Staruf Football Academy in Lagos on January 1, 2010. The academy is dedicated to nurturing young Nigerian football talents, providing professional training and development. Located at 1 Sowande Street, Off Rev Emma Adubifa, Omole Phase 2, Lagos, the academy stands as a testament to his enduring love for the game.