Boluwatife Kehinde
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has refuted allegations by world record holder Tobi Amusan that Nigerian athletes were handed poor-quality kits for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
In a video posted online, Amusan lamented the treatment of Nigerian athletes compared to their counterparts from other nations. According to her, while other countries presented athletes with neatly packed gear in branded suitcases, Nigerians received theirs in nylon bags with only a few items.
“This country will steadily embarrass you. Una come say make people nor switch allegiance? Una never ready!” Amusan said in frustration. She added that the competition gear provided was substandard, claiming athletes received just two outfits that peeled when soaked with sweat.
The 100m hurdles world record holder further alleged that, despite officials collecting shoe sizes from athletes, no footwear was distributed. “So as it is now, I have to wear my Adidas black tights. My fans, they collected our shoe sizes,” she mocked.
Her outburst, coming shortly after compatriot Favour Ofili switched nationality to Turkey, drew strong reactions on social media, with Nigerians recalling recurring complaints about poor athlete welfare.
AFN replies Amusan
AFN President Tonobok Okowa swiftly denied the allegations, stressing that athletes were provided with the full complement of kits through Hiracer, a global sportswear company sponsoring 20 nations at the championships. He argued that Amusan had displayed only part of her allocation.
“There is nothing wrong with those kits. Tobi Amusan only brought out one pack out of the pack that she was given. The items came in batches, so they were told that the following day they would receive the rest of the kits. She just brought out only that one kit and displayed it to the world,” Okowa explained.
He added that athletes also received spike shoes and covers free of charge, with the only missing item being travel bags, which World Athletics had already provided. Okowa further disclosed that Hiracer promised medal bonuses of $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze.
He admitted that the only item omitted was a travel bag, but said the athletes were already given bags by the world’s governing body.
“The only thing they did not give them was bags, but the World Athletics already shared bags for every athlete.
“Although the company would have also given them bags, they did not. And this company is also sponsoring about 20 countries,” he added.
The AFN chief suggested Amusan’s grievances were inconsistent with the preferential treatment she received. “All other athletes came on economy class, but Tobi alone flew business class. We got business class for her because that was what she demanded,” he said.
The row has once again highlighted the uneasy relationship between Nigerian athletes and their federation, with fears it may distract the team in Tokyo.
