Nigerian Sprint Star Favour Ashe Changes Nationality to Represent Qatar
In a significant development in the world of athletics, Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ashe has officially switched his sporting nationality to represent Qatar. The athlete confirmed this major decision in a recent interview over the weekend, explaining that his move was not intended to discredit the support he received from Nigeria over the years but was primarily driven by personal experiences with sports administrators and systemic challenges.
Disappointing Experience at National Sports Festival
Ashe revealed that his participation in last year's National Sports Festival turned into what he described as a deeply disappointing episode. He had initially hoped that his presence would help elevate the competition's profile and inspire other athletes. Instead, he found himself feeling sidelined and undervalued by the handling he received from officials.
"You don't treat athletes that way and expect them to give their best," Ashe stated emphatically, expressing clear frustration over how he was managed during the event. This sentiment appears to have been a crucial factor in his decision to seek representation elsewhere.
Infrastructural Challenges and Training Limitations
The sprinter also pointed to significant infrastructural challenges within Nigeria's athletic system. He specifically highlighted substandard training tracks that adversely affected his preparation and performance capabilities. Having recently completed his studies in the United States, Ashe noted that he no longer had access to the college training facilities that had previously supported his development.
This loss of training resources made relocation necessary for him to maintain competitive standards. "The conditions simply weren't conducive to elite performance," Ashe explained regarding the training environment in Nigeria.
Building a New Future in Qatar
Ashe disclosed that he has been based in Qatar for the past five months and expressed surprise at finding several young Nigerian athletes already training there. He expressed confidence that together they could build a strong 4x100m relay squad for their new country, suggesting that Qatar's athletic program might benefit significantly from this influx of Nigerian talent.
This move follows a similar pattern among Nigerian athletes seeking better opportunities abroad. Fellow Nigerian sprint star Favour Ofili switched allegiance to Turkey in 2025 after alleging poor treatment by officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The trend raises important questions about athlete welfare and support systems within Nigerian sports administration. Ashe's decision highlights ongoing concerns about how elite athletes are treated and supported in their home country, potentially impacting Nigeria's future performance in international athletics competitions.
