Nigerian Sprint Star Favour Ashe Switches to Qatar

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has reportedly switched his international athletic allegiance from Nigeria to Qatar, making him one of the latest elite track stars to pursue opportunities abroad.

The 23-year-old, who has been based in Qatar for about five months, confirmed he is enjoying a “new life” in his adopted country and no longer sees a future for his athletics career under Nigeria’s system. Ashe explained that limited support and substandard training conditions in Nigeria contributed to his decision.

Ashe has trained with several other Nigerian athletes in Qatar and recently joined a Qatar Athletics Federation tour to South Africa as part of pre-season preparations — a move he said was “something Nigeria will never do.”

News of the switch has prompted the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to launch a probe into Ashe’s status, with officials claiming they were not formally informed of the change.

Ashe’s reported move follows growing concerns about a potential exodus of Nigerian track and field talents, with fears that more athletes may seek better support and opportunities abroad.