Kelly Ufodiama switches allegiance from Nigeria back to United States

Nigerian-American sprinter Kelly Ufodiama has switched her international allegiance from Nigeria back to the United States, just over a year after completing her move to represent Nigeria.

Ufodiama’s return to the United States marks a reversal of the decision she made in May 2025, when she became eligible to represent Nigeria after previously competing for the United States.

The 20-year-old sprinter is now listed under the United States by World Athletics, confirming her return to the country where she was born and raised.

Ufodiama had switched to Nigeria after making significant progress through the American collegiate athletics system. Her decision to represent Nigeria added another promising option to the country’s women’s sprinting pool, particularly in the 200 metres.

Her performances this season, however, have continued to come largely through the American collegiate system.

Ufodiama recorded a personal best of 22.53 seconds in the 200m in 2026, further establishing herself as one of the promising young sprinters competing in the United States. She also posted 7.14 seconds in the indoor 60m.

Her 22.53-second performance placed her among the leading Nigerian performers in the women’s 200m this season before Favour Ofili moved ahead with a faster time.

Ufodiama also enjoyed a strong campaign at the American Athletic Conference level, winning both the 60m and 200m titles at the 2026 American Indoor Track and Field Championships.

She was subsequently recognised as the championship‘s Most Valuable Performer after scoring 21.25 points across her events.

Her return to the United States means Nigeria has potentially lost another young athlete with significant international potential.

Ufodiama’s situation is similar to that of other athletes of Nigerian heritage who have moved between the two countries during their careers.

Ezinne Abba and Annette Nneka Echikunwoke are among athletes who previously represented Nigeria before returning to compete for the United States.

For Nigeria, Ufodiama’s switch is significant because she had already emerged as a promising 200m prospect following her change of allegiance in 2025.

Her 22.53-second personal best demonstrates the level of ability she brings to the event, while her continued development in the American collegiate system has given her regular exposure to high-level competition.

World Athletics currently lists Ufodiama under the United States, while her previous records show her period of eligibility for Nigeria following her 2025 switch.

The development brings an end to her brief international chapter with Nigeria and marks her return to the United States athletics system.

For Nigerian athletics, the switch represents another reminder of the challenge of retaining athletes with ties to multiple countries.

For Ufodiama, the next chapter of her career will now unfold under the United States flag as she continues her pursuit of greater success in the 200m and beyond.

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