The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has dismissed allegations by world record holder Tobi Amusan that Nigerian athletes were given poor-quality kits for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, insisting she received the same gear as her teammates — and even enjoyed special privileges.
Amusan had taken to Snapchat on Friday night to slam the distribution of competition gear, lamenting that while athletes from other nations got suitcases of apparel, Nigerians were handed “small nylon bags” containing just two questionable-quality outfits. She also complained that no footwear was provided despite officials collecting athletes’ shoe sizes, forcing her to consider wearing her own training tights and shoes.
“This country will steadily embarrass you. Una come say make people nor switch allegiance? Una never ready!” Amusan wrote, sparking social media outrage and renewed criticism of Nigeria’s history of poor athlete welfare. Her comments came shortly after compatriot Favour Ofili confirmed she had switched allegiance to represent Turkey.
But AFN President Tonobok Okowa, speaking to Sunday PUNCH, rejected the claims.
“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 said.
He explained that the distribution was uniform across all 20 countries sponsored by Hiracer, the global sportswear company providing the gear, adding that spike shoes and other accessories were included free of charge. The only item omitted was a travel bag, which Okowa said had already been supplied by World Athletics.
Okowa also revealed that Hiracer promised cash rewards for medal winners — $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze — and that the athletes were briefed on these incentives after arriving in Tokyo.
“I was surprised that this happened. I don’t know who pushed Tobi,” he said, suggesting that her criticism was at odds 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,” Okowa added.
Hiracer, in a statement, confirmed that its distribution system was the same for all 20 participating nations, contradicting claims that Nigeria was singled out for substandard treatment.
The row has once again put the strained relationship between Nigerian athletes and the AFN in the spotlight. Amusan, the 100m hurdles world record holder and 2022 world champion, has been vocal about poor athlete welfare in the past.
Observers fear the controversy could distract the 15-member Nigerian contingent as the championships run from September 13 to 21.
“We need them to concentrate, shun all distractions, and focus on their competitions,” Okowa appealed.