The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has dismissed allegations by world record holder Tobi Amusan that athletes were handed substandard kits ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Amusan, Nigeria’s top medal hope, 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 outrage 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 said Amusan’s post was misleading:
“They even got spike shoes and covers.”
Okowa explained that items were delivered in batches and claimed Amusan displayed only part of her allocation.
He added that the only omission was travel bags, which World Athletics had already provided.
Okowa further pointed to Hiracer’s incentive scheme:
“They even have podium bonuses, $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze. Athletes should focus on performance.”
Tobi Amusan during wearing the Nigerian kit during her heat at the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan. Photo Credit: Making of Champions
The AFN chief also accused Amusan of receiving special treatment in her travel arrangements.
“All other athletes flew economy, but Tobi demanded business class, and we gave her that.”
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Sportswear supplier Hiracer later confirmed its kit distribution was identical across all 20 nations, contradicting Amusan’s claims.
Nigeria’s confirmed squad for Tokyo includes Amusan in the women’s 100m hurdles, Rosemary Chukwuma in the women’s 100m, Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Sunday Okon in the men’s 100m, Udodi Onwuzurike in the men’s 200m, Samuel Ogazi and Chidi Okezie in the men’s 400m, and Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor are listed for the women’s long jump, alongside Charles Godfred in the men’s long jump.
In the throws, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will compete in the men’s shot put, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons and Obiageri Amaechi in the women’s discus, and Oyesade Olatoye in the women’s hammer.
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In total, 15 athletes will represent Nigeria at the championships, which run from 13–21 September in Tokyo.
