Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has announced plans to switch allegiance to Qatar, citing years of frustration with Nigeria’s athletics structure
The 100m star, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s fastest men in recent times, revealed that he has spent the last five months in Qatar and no longer envisions continuing his career under the Nigerian system. He blamed his decision on what he described as neglect, inadequate support and persistent disrespect from sports administrators.
“I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” Ashe said.
Although he is yet to begin his 2026 campaign, Ashe disclosed that the Qatari athletics federation has already mapped out a detailed development plan for him and other recruited athletes.
“The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do,” he stated.
He further noted that a number of young Nigerian athletes are currently enrolled in Qatar’s programme, with long-term ambitions of building a strong 4x100m relay squad largely made up of Nigerian-born sprinters.
Sunday Akintan, who recently recorded a 6.48-second indoor performance, is also reported to have switched to Qatar as part of the same initiative.
Ashe said his dissatisfaction reached its peak at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where he was disqualified from the 100m final while representing Team Delta.
“Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back,” Ashe warned. “Soon Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes. Some are even ready to run for other African countries that can offer them proper compensation and regular competitions.”
Ashe’s decision mirrors that of Favour Ofili, who previously switched allegiance to Turkey after alleging ill treatment by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria during preparations for the Paris Olympics.
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Thank goodness
Thank goodness that he left Nigeria for qatar? Did you read how painful his exit is to him?
Na so