Izuchukwu OkosiThe decision of Nigeria’s Favour Ofili to switch allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey has continued to stir reactions from athletics faithful.
Prime Business Africa sought the opinions of former Nigeria international Sam Sodje and former athletics star Glory Alozie.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile former Super Eagles defender Sodje who is now into sports administration spoke specifically on the change of allegiance of the African 100m champion, Alozie opted to speak on the need to unearth new generation of athletics stars through the school sports competitions across the country.
READ ALSO: Switch Of Allegiance: Why Favour Ofili’s Case Will Not Be The Last
Alozie was a former Nigeria 100m and 4x400m star who changed allegiance from Nigeria to Spain.
Although she feels Nigerian once again, Alozie understands the importance of good welfare for athletes and organizing school sports competitions.
“We should try and go back to the way we used to do things. That’s where the national camp comes in.
“I’m 100% sure that talents didn’t end in our time, we have bunch of talents ready to be discovered.
“Imagine how we were all pulling weight during that period. Our 4X400m was being dreaded by other countries.
“Let the Athletics Federation of Nigeria go back to our former way how we all started.
“School sports competitions is the way to go, Under 15, 20 etc national camps has to be set up.
Former Nigeria international Sodje noted:
“Definitely it’s a sad situation. Favour Ofili is one of our best athletes.
“We should have been able to sort it out before it gets to this level. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) needs to step up and ensure that this kind of thing never happens again.
Sodje believes Ofili had a long thought on her decision.
“She lost the confidence of the Federation after the incident at the Olympics. We must ensure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.
“We have to to improve on the welfare of athletes and how we treat them. I’m sure the Federation knows that now. It’s really a sad situation,” Sodje concluded.
Despite the supposed switch of allegiance, Ofili ran a blistering 10.93 seconds on Saturday evening at the ATX Classics in Texas, USA as she ran in Nigeria’s colours.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
