Nigerian sprint star, Favour Ashe has not filed any application to change his international allegiance to Qatar, despite widespread reports suggesting he had dumped Nigeria for the Middle Eastern nation.
The clarification was confirmed by World Athletics, following an official inquiry into the matter.
According to the global athletics governing body, no documentation has been received from Ashe or any other Nigerian athlete requesting a nationality switch.
“We can confirm that no application has been received,” said Maggie Durand, Head of Communications at World Athletics.
Reports Linked Favour Ashe to Qatar Camp
Speculation intensified earlier this month after Ashe spoke publicly about Qatar’s training camp in South Africa, prompting reports that he had already committed to the country.
He was also said to have been joined in Qatar by fellow Nigerian sprinter, Sunday Akintan, who recently impressed during the indoor season with a time of 6.48 seconds.
While other athletes some reportedly expected to be part of Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games camp in Asaba, were also alleged to be plotting similar moves.
However, World Athletics’ confirmation directly contradicts those claims.
Elite Pedigree: Ashe’s Place in Nigerian History
The 23-year-old remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished sprinters in recent history.
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Personal best: 9.94s (100m)
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Joint sixth on Nigeria’s all-time list alongside Davidson Ezinwa
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Wind-assisted 9.79s (+3.0) at the LSU Invitational in 2022, the fastest time ever run by a Nigerian under all conditions
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First Nigerian sprinter to run sub-10 seconds five times across three consecutive years
In 2024, Ashe finished runner-up in the 100m final at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 9.99s.
Rules on Switching Allegiance
World Athletics regulations make clear that any athlete seeking to represent another country must observe a three-year waiting period after approval.
In a previous response, World Athletics stated:
“It should be noted that, should the application be successful, there is a standard three-year waiting period before an athlete can represent their new member federation.”
“We remain committed to ensuring that all transfers of allegiance are conducted fairly, transparently and in the best interests of the sport.”
Because Ashe last competed for Nigeria at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, any eligibility countdown would begin from 2025, meaning he would likely miss the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics even if he eventually files.
Read More: Athletics: Why Favour Ashe Sprinter Dumped Nigeria for Qatar
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Not the First Name Linked to a Switch
Ashe is the second high-profile Nigerian athlete to be linked with an allegiance change in recent years, following 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili in 2025.
However, as with Ashe, speculation has often moved faster than official paperwork.
AFN Yet to Confirm Ashe’s Status
Favour Ashe admitted he has been in Qatar for about five months, however, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has not confirmed any change in his status.
AFN president, Tonobok Okowa previously said the federation was investigating the reports but had not responded to a fresh inquiry as of the time this report was filed.
While no switch has been formalised, Ashe has openly praised Qatar’s athlete support structure.
He was quoted saying:
“The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do.”
“There are many young Nigerians in the Qatari team training for the Olympics and they are well catered for.”
“Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back; soon, Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes.”
“Some are even ready to run for other African countries that can offer them good compensation and opportunities to compete all year round in events that appeal to them.”
