The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has rejected Tobi Amusan’s allegations that Nigerian athletes were given substandard kits for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, insisting she received the same gear as her teammates and even enjoyed special treatment
Amusan had taken to Snapchat on Friday night to criticize the distribution of competition gear, lamenting that while other nations’ athletes got suitcases of apparel, Nigerians were given “small nylon bags” with only two outfits of questionable quality.
She also complained that no footwear was provided despite officials collecting shoe sizes, forcing her to consider using her own training gear.
“This country will steadily embarrass you. Una come say make people nor switch allegiance? Una never ready!” she wrote, sparking outrage online and renewed criticism of Nigeria’s poor record on athlete welfare. Her comments came shortly after compatriot Favour Ofili confirmed she had switched allegiance to represent Turkey.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa, speaking to Sunday PUNCH, dismissed Amusan’s 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 kit distribution was the same across all 20 countries sponsored by Hiracer, the global sportswear company supplying the gear, and confirmed that spike shoes and other accessories were provided free. The only item missing was a travel bag, which Okowa said had already been given to the athletes by World Athletics.
Okowa also disclosed that Hiracer promised cash rewards for medal winners — $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze — and that the team was briefed on these incentives after arriving in Tokyo.
“I was surprised that this happened. I don’t know who pushed Tobi,” he said, suggesting her outburst 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,” he added.
Hiracer, in a statement, confirmed its distribution process was identical across all 20 participating nations, refuting suggestions that Nigeria was singled out for poor treatment.
The dispute has once again highlighted the uneasy relationship between Nigerian athletes and the AFN. With the championships ongoing from September 13 to 21, observers worry the controversy could distract the 15-member Nigerian contingent.
“We need them to concentrate, shun all distractions, and focus on their competitions,” Okowa appealed.
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