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- World record holder Tobi Amusan clocked 12.53s to top heat six of the 100m hurdles and qualify automatically for the semi-finals
- Semi-finals and finals take place on the same day, with Amusan aiming for gold for Nigeria
- The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has defended itself, saying athletes got full kits and even special perks
Tobi Amusan proved why she is still one of the best hurdlers in the world.
The World record holder clocked a time of 12.53 seconds to win heat six of the women’s 100m hurdles at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, securing an automatic place in Tuesday’s semi-finals.
Source: Getty Images
According to the Vanguard, Amusan’s victory came just 48 hours after her explosive rant about the quality of competition kits provided by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
The 28-year-old, who is Nigeria’s biggest medal hope in Tokyo, was under immense scrutiny following her outburst, but her performance on the track reminded fans that she remains focused on the bigger prize, a world title.
Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton came second in 12.69 seconds, while Italy’s Elena Carraro finished third in 12.86 seconds.
Other favourites including Olympic champion Masai Russell, reigning world champion Danielle Williams, and Dutch star Nadine Visser also booked their semi-final spots.
AFN hits back at Amusan over kit complaints
The AFN quickly responded to Amusan’s criticism, insisting that the federation delivered all the required kits and even went the extra mile for her travel arrangements.
Source: Getty Images
AFN President Tonobok Okowa told Sunday PUNCH that Amusan had been given the same kits as her teammates and more items were scheduled for delivery after the initial batch.
“She just brought out one kit and displayed it to the world,” Okowa said.
He added that the kits came from Hiracer, the global sportswear company sponsoring athletes from 20 countries at the event, and were supplied free of charge.
Okowa also disclosed that the athletes had been promised podium bonuses of $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze, urging them to focus on winning medals instead of sparking unnecessary controversies.
The AFN president further stated that Amusan received special treatment, including a business-class flight to Tokyo, something her teammates did not get.
Next stop: Semi-finals and Final
Despite the drama, Amusan remains Nigeria’s biggest medal hope at the World Athletics championships.
Her performance in the heats has already set the tone for what could be a thrilling semi-final.
The semi-finals and finals of the women’s 100m hurdles are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, and Nigerian fans will be watching closely to see if Amusan can replicate her historic 12.12-second world record performance from 2022 and secure another global medal.
The rest of Team Nigeria, including long jump star Ese Brume, will also be in action as they aim to improve on their medal tally from the last championships.
AFN explains why kits was delivered in nylon bags
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Tonobok Okowa informed the general public that issues surrounding the competition kit for the World Championship were distraction from the athletes.
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.
Source: Legit.ng
