Favour Ashe Quits Nigeria Athletics For Qatar Over Neglect, Poor Support
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has confirmed he is set to compete for Qatar, bringing an end to his time under Nigeria’s athletics system.
The U.S.-based 100m runner disclosed that he has been in Qatar for about five months and has decided to pursue his future there after growing disillusioned with the treatment of athletes back home. Known for his blistering 9.79-second personal best, Ashe said years of insufficient backing and what he termed disrespect from sports authorities pushed him toward the move.
“I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” he said.
Although he has not yet opened his 2026 season, Ashe revealed that Qatar’s athletics federation has already drawn up a structured programme for him and other recruits, including plans to kick off their campaign in South Africa.
“The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do,” he stated.
He added that several young Nigerian athletes are currently training within Qatar’s system, with the aim of assembling a dominant 4x100m relay team largely built around Nigerian-born sprinters.
Sunday Akintan, who recently clocked 6.48 seconds indoors, is also believed to have switched allegiance as part of the same recruitment effort.
Insiders say more Nigerian athletes, including some presently preparing for the Commonwealth Games, are exploring similar options in search of better funding, exposure and consistent competition.
Ashe explained that his frustration intensified during 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,” he 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.”
A Delta State Sports Commission official, speaking anonymously, said the commission had not been formally informed of Ashe’s switch. It also remains unclear whether he benefited from training grants reportedly distributed this year by the National Sports Commission.
His decision follows a similar move by Favour Ofili, who changed allegiance to Turkey after accusing officials of ill treatment during preparations for the Paris Olympics.
