Tobi Amusan, AFN Clash Over Alleged Substandard Kits at World Athletics Championships
Tobi Amusan, AFN Clash Over Alleged Substandard Kits at World Athletics Championships
A major controversy has erupted between Nigeria’s world record holder, Tobi Amusan, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) over the quality of kits provided to athletes at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Amusan, Nigeria’s 100m hurdles world champion, took to Snapchat to express outrage, accusing the AFN of providing athletes with “embarrassing” and substandard equipment. In a video that quickly went viral, the 27-year-old lamented that Nigerian athletes were handed “small nylon bags” containing only two low-quality outfits and no footwear.
“This country will steadily embarrass you,” Amusan said, questioning why athletes should remain loyal to Nigeria despite such treatment. She also alleged that while officials collected huge sums for athlete preparation, the actual provisions fell short of expectations.
The complaint drew sharp contrast after Nigerians compared her video with a separate clip of a US athlete unveiling Team USA’s kit package. The American athletes were shown receiving full suitcases filled with professionally organized gear, underscoring the disparity between both teams’ preparations.
Social media users widely circulated the clips, with many siding with Amusan and pointing to long-standing issues of poor athlete welfare in Nigerian sports.
In response, the AFN dismissed Amusan’s claims, insisting that all athletes — including her — were given proper kits for the championships. The federation maintained that the equipment was not substandard and suggested that Amusan had, in fact, received preferential treatment in some areas.
AFN officials expressed disappointment over her public criticism, noting that as Nigeria’s leading medal hopeful, her remarks could affect team morale during the competition.
The row has reignited debate about Nigeria’s sports administration, with critics stressing the need for improved preparation and welfare for athletes representing the country on the global stage.
Amusan remains Nigeria’s top medal prospect in Tokyo, where she is set to defend her world title in the women’s 100m hurdles.
