World Athletics Championship: Why Amusan’s kit video sparked outrage against AFN
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The world record holder and current 100m hurdles champion described the kits as “inferior and inadequate.” She unboxed the kits, which came in plain paper bags, with no sign they were specially designed for Nigerian athletes. In comparison,
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) came under fire on Friday night after Tobi Amusan posted a video on her social media page.
In the video, Amusan showed the kits she received from the AFN for the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
The world record holder and current 100m hurdles champion described the kits as “inferior and inadequate.”
She unboxed the kits, which came in plain paper bags, with no sign they were specially designed for Nigerian athletes. In comparison, athletes from other countries got top-quality kits packed in proper suitcases.
“As it is now, I have to wear black adidas tights,” Amusan said.
She also compared Nigeria to Jamaica, saying:
“Jamaica is in the same WhatsApp group as Nigeria, but they are not as bad. Other countries gave their athletes two kits each. Nigeria brought inadequate and inferior kits. This country is really embarrassing.”
Her video sparked mixed reactions. Some people felt she should not have made it public. But sports analyst Ope Adebari disagreed.
“I think it was okay for her to post it,” Adebari told newsmen.
“Many athletes have complained for years with no change.
The AFN is reaping the consequences of their actions.”
Amusan, one of Nigeria’s biggest medal hopes, expressed frustration that athletes are poorly treated, which is why many switch nationalities. Just last week, Favour Ofili dumped Nigeria for Turkey.
Adebari added:
“It means the AFN doesn’t learn from past mistakes. It means they don’t care about athletes’ welfare. It shows incompetence if they can’t even provide the basics.”
Rumors spread that Amusan might also consider changing nationality, but Adebari dismissed it:
“I don’t think she will. She’s already a world record holder for Nigeria. She has strong sponsors and a good personal team, so she can handle the AFN’s shortcomings.”
Criticism of the AFN has been ongoing for years, with little sign of improvement. Adebari called for urgent reforms.
“The AFN needs reform. We need the right people in the right positions, with a clear mandate to grow athletics, support athletes, and invest in coaching. If the AFN or government cannot fully provide for the athletes, private organizations should be allowed to step in.”
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