Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe, one of the country’s fastest men over 100 metres, has reportedly moved to represent Qatar internationally, sparking concern within Nigeria’s athletics community and prompting an investigation by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Ashe, whose personal best of 9.94 seconds places him among Nigeria’s elite sprinters, confirmed he has been training in Qatar for the past five months and is optimistic about contributing to the Gulf nation’s relay team.
Reports say he cited poor treatment, substandard facilities and limited opportunities in Nigeria as reasons for the switch.
The AFN says it was not aware of the move and will begin a formal probe into Ashe’s status on Monday.
“I don’t know either. I just saw the news as well, but we will investigate that beginning tomorrow (Monday),” AFN President Tonobok Okowa told reporters.
Ashe’s controversial decision comes amid broader fears of a growing exodus of Nigerian track stars.
He predicted that “many young Nigerians in the Qatari team” training abroad may be followed by others seeking better conditions and competitive opportunities.
If confirmed by World Athletics, Ashe would become the second high-profile track athlete to switch allegiance after Favour Ofili, who reportedly changed her sporting nationality to Turkey in 2025 following frustrations with athletics administration in Nigeria.
Ofili, a world 150 m best holder, has become well known internationally, and her move highlighted issues within Nigeria’s sports structures that critics say have cost the country valuable talent.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its athletics teams ahead of global championships, the potential loss of top competitors like Ashe has deepened calls for improved training systems, athlete welfare and stronger support from sports authorities.
