Just days before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Nigerian athletics was plunged into fresh controversy after world record holder Tobi Amusan accused the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) of providing substandard and inadequate kits to athletes.
Amusan, Nigeria’s biggest medal hopeful and reigning 100m hurdles champion, took to Snapchat in a fiery video, where she called out the federation for releasing poor kits, claiming athletes were left embarrassed compared to their counterparts from other nations.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has in response, dismissed allegations made by Tobi Amusan, world record holder and reigning 100m hurdles champion, that Nigerian athletes were given substandard kits at the ongoing 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Tobi Amusan’s Furious Outburst
In a video posted on her Snapchat story, Amusan, who comfortably won her 100m hurdles heat in 12.53s to qualify for the semifinals, accused the AFN of neglecting athletes.
Speaking in a mix of English and pidgin, she said:
“As it is now, I have to wear an adidas black tight. I go show you wetin Jamaica. When I tell you say Jamaica is in the same WhatsApp group with Nigeria, but dem no worse like Nigeria.”
Nigeria, all the other countries give their athletes two kits. See wetin Nigeria pack give us. This country (Nigeria) is really embarrassing.”
Amusan alleged that while athletes from other countries received suitcases of apparel, Nigeria’s delegation was handed “small nylon bags” containing just two questionable outfits and no footwear, despite officials collecting shoe sizes before the championships.
AFN Hits Back: ‘She’s Not Telling the Whole Story’
In a swift response, AFN President Tonobok Okowa dismissed Amusan’s claims. According to the federation, athletes received standard kits approved by World Athletics sponsors.
He stated that the athletes received the complete package from the federation’s sportswear sponsor, Hiracer, which outfits 20 countries worldwide, and there was no case of neglect.
Okowa explained that the kits were delivered in batches, and suggested that Amusan only displayed part of her allocation in her video.
“They even got spike shoes and covers. The only omission was travel bags, but those were already provided by World Athletics,” Okowa said.
He also accused Amusan of seeking special privileges:
“All other athletes flew economy, but Tobi demanded business class, and we gave her that.”
A Recurring Pattern of Complaints
This latest spat between Amusan and the AFN is the continuation of long-running rift between Nigerian athletes and officials over welfare, planning, and professionalism.
While athletes argue that poor logistics, neglect, and lack of transparency continues to undermine their performance, the federation insists it has delivered on its promises, even pointing to Hiracer’s podium bonuses;
- $30,000 for gold
- $20,000 for silver
- $10,000 for bronze
Amusan’s criticism is not an isolated case. Other Nigerian athletes in different sports have previously voiced frustration about poor welfare and inadequate facilities.
Amusan Still Delivers on Track
Despite the off-track controversy, Amusan kept her focus on competition. She easily advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 12.53 seconds to win Heat 6 ahead of Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who finished second in 12.69s.
Amusan, who memorably won gold at the 2022 World Championships and remains Nigeria’s brightest prospect in Tokyo, has now shifted global attention away from the track and onto Nigeria’s off-field drama.
The focus shifts to the semifinals in Tokyo as she seeks to defend her world title and put Nigeria on the medal table.
