Nothing wrong with those kits - AFN fires back at Tobi Amusan's claims of poor kits

World record holder Tobi Amusan has accused the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) of providing athletes with substandard kits for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

In a Snapchat post on Friday night, Amusan lamented that while athletes from other countries received full suitcases of competition gear, Nigerian athletes were handed “small nylon bags” with just two questionable-quality outfits.

“This country will steadily embarrass you. Una come say make people nor switch allegiance? Una never ready!” she wrote in frustration.

She also claimed that no footwear was provided despite officials collecting shoe sizes in advance, forcing her to consider competing in her own training tights and shoes.

Her remarks quickly gained traction on social media, sparking anger among fans and reigniting long-standing debates about Nigeria’s treatment of elite athletes.

In response, AFN President Tonobok Okowa dismissed Amusan’s claims, insisting that the federation had delivered the complete kit package in line with its agreement with Hiracer, the global sportswear company supplying gear to 20 participating nations.

“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 they would receive the rest the following day,” Okowa told Sunday PUNCH.

He stressed that the distribution was uniform across all countries, adding that athletes had also received spike shoes and covers at no cost.

“The only thing they did not give them was bags, but the World Athletics already shared bags for every athlete,” he explained.

Okowa further disclosed that Hiracer had pledged significant podium bonuses: $30,000 for gold medal winners, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze.

“We informed the athletes about this at a meeting on September 11. So they should concentrate, work hard, and try to win. That is what matters now,” he said.

The AFN boss also suggested Amusan had received preferential treatment compared to her teammates.

“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 claimed.

He stressed that this was the only special request she made, denying suggestions of wider grievances.

Amusan, Nigeria’s best medal hope and the 100m hurdles world record holder, has often clashed with administrators over issues of athlete welfare. The latest row comes just as the Nigerian team of 15 athletes begins its campaign in Tokyo, running from September 13 to 21.