AFN Responds to Tobi Amusan, Explains Why Nigerian Athletes Got Kits in Nylon Bags

• The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has clarified the issues surrounding Team Nigeria’s kit at the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan
• AFN also addressed the number of athletes and coaches present at the event, dismissing the claim of an unauthorized number of officials
• 100m hurdles champion Oluwatobiloba Amusan called out the leadership of AFN and the National Sports Commission (NSC) over the poor quality kits

President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Tonobok Okowa said the current board are on the verge of signing a new deal with a manufacturing company.

The former Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission informed the general public that issues surrounding the competition kit for the World Championship were distraction from the athletes.

What did Tobi Amusan say?

Two-time Commonwealth Games 100mH champion, Tobi Amusan, diplomatically called out the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for poorly kitting the athletes during the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

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Tobi Amusan slams AFN, Nigeria for giving athletes poor quality kits, video

In a video shared on her Snapchat, the four-time African Games gold medallist expressed her frustration by accusing Nigerian sports authorities of not meeting global practices. The 28-year-old 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., per Punch.”

Okowa shares update on new kit sponsors

Tonobok Okowa announced that the AFN were in discussion with HiRacer for a new kits sponsorship deal.

The Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), said the athletes were briefed about the new kits and accompanying benefits from the sponsors to those with podium finishing before Tobi Amusan’s video went viral. He said:

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“For now, there is no formal agreement with HiRacer but we are talking with them. There are other countries under this kit sponsors too here in Tokyo.

“The kits they supplied us were part of our last minute discussions. Under the current plan, athletes will earn financial rewards for podium appearances while competing in the new brand.

“Under the temporary agreement, the Nigerian athlete with gold medal will receive a sum of $30,000, silver gets $20,000 while bronze medalist get $10,000.00 from the deal.”

Only four AFN officials are in Tokyo – Okowa

Tonobok Okowa has rubbished claims that the number of officials at the World Championships is more than the athletes.

In a statement obtained by Legit.ng, the AFN President explained that Team Nigeria arrived Tokyo with 15 athletes, four technical officials, two medical staff, and two administrators, and that any other individuals in Tokyo were there at their own expense.

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Amusan named Nigeria’s flag bearer for Olympics

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Olympic Committee have confirmed that athletics star Tobi Amusan will be the country’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The event, which will take place at La Grande Seine on July 26, will be the first opening ceremony to take place outside the stadium.

Source: Legit.ng