The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has dismissed claims by world record holder Tobi Amusan that athletes were poorly kitted for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, insisting the hurdler received the same gear as her teammates and even enjoyed special travel privileges.
Amusan, Nigeria’s top medal hopeful, had taken to Snapchat on Friday night to lament that athletes were handed “small nylon bags” with just two outfits of questionable quality, unlike their counterparts from other countries who received suitcases of apparel. She also complained that no footwear was provided, despite officials earlier collecting shoe sizes.
Her remarks quickly went viral, stirring outrage among Nigerians who recalled long-standing grievances about athlete welfare and preparation.
But AFN President Tonobok Okowa refuted her claims, insisting the kits were complete and supplied under a sponsorship deal with global sportswear company Hiracer.
“There is nothing wrong with those kits. Tobi Amusan only brought out one pack out of the several she was given. The items came in batches and the rest were delivered the following day,” Okowa said.
He explained that the kits included spikes and covers and were provided free of charge by Hiracer, which also sponsors 20 other countries. The only missing item, he admitted, was a travel bag, but noted that World Athletics had already distributed bags to all athletes.
Okowa further revealed that Hiracer promised podium bonuses of $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze medallists. “We told the athletes this in Tokyo on September 11. They should concentrate, work hard, and win their money,” he said.
The AFN boss also suggested that Amusan’s complaints were unfair given the preferential treatment she received.
“All other athletes flew economy, but Tobi alone flew business class because she demanded it. That was her only special request, and we granted it,” Okowa stated.
Hiracer, in a separate statement, confirmed that its distribution system was identical across all 20 participating nations, contradicting Amusan’s suggestion that Nigeria was singled out.
The incident underscores the uneasy relationship between Nigerian athletes and the federation, with welfare disputes frequently overshadowing competitions. Amusan, who won gold at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon and remains the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, has often been outspoken about athlete welfare.
With the Tokyo championships underway from September 13 to 21, Okowa appealed to the team to put the controversy aside. “We need them to concentrate, shun all distractions, and focus on their competitions,” he said.
Nigeria’s 15-athlete contingent is led by Amusan in the hurdles, as medals and reputations are now on the line.