AFN Responds to Amusan’s Claims of P++r Kits at World Championships
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has dismissed allegations by world record holder Tobi Amusan that Nigerian athletes were handed substandard kits for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Amusan, Nigeria’s biggest medal hopeful, had complained on Snapchat that while athletes from other nations received suitcases of apparel, Nigerians got only “small nylon bags” with two questionable outfits and no footwear, despite officials collecting shoe sizes. Her remarks quickly drew outr+ge on social media and reignited concerns about athlete welfare, coming just weeks after compatriot Favour Ofili switched allegiance to Turkey.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa rejected the criticism, insisting Amusan and her teammates received the full set of kits supplied free by sportswear sponsor Hiracer, which outfits 20 countries.
He explained that items were delivered in batches and accused Amusan of displaying only part of her allocation. “They even got spike shoes and covers,” he said, adding that the only omission was travel bags, already provided by World Athletics.
Okowa also noted Hiracer’s podium bonuses—$30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze—urging athletes to focus on performance. He further revealed that Amusan received preferential treatment in travel. “All other athletes flew economy, but Tobi demanded business class, and we gave her that,” he said.
Hiracer later confirmed its kit distribution was identical across all 20 nations, contradicting Amusan’s claims.
The dispute highlights the ongoing rift between Nigerian athletes and officials. Amusan, who won gold at the 2022 World Championships, has been vocal on welfare issues.
With the Tokyo competition underway from September 13–21, observers fear the controversy could distract Nigeria’s 15-athlete squad from their medal chase.
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