“We Flew You on Business Class”: AFN President Fires Back at Tobi Amusan After Kit Rant
- The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says Tobi Amusan received full kits and even a business class flight to Tokyo
- AFN President Okowa denies claims of poor athlete welfare and blames social media for amplifying the issue
- Amusan faces pressure to deliver in the semi-finals amid heightened media attention following her kit rant
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has pushed back strongly against Tobi Amusan’s claims of poor treatment at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa insisted the federation provided full kits for the team and even gave Amusan special treatment, including a business class flight to Japan.
Source: Getty Images
Amusan had earlier called out the AFN on Snapchat, showing off what she described as substandard kits delivered in nylon bags.
Her post sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians revisiting long-standing complaints about poor athlete welfare and preparation before global competitions.
AFN defends athletes' kit distribution
Okowa denied any wrongdoing and said Amusan did not present the full picture. According to him, the kits were delivered in batches, and she had only displayed the first pack.
“There is nothing wrong with those kits,” Okowa said.
“She just brought out one pack and showed it to the world. The rest were given to them the following day. The distribution was the same for all countries sponsored by Hiracer, and we did not pay a kobo for them.”
He explained that the only missing item was a travel bag, which had already been provided by World Athletics. Okowa added that spike shoes and other essentials were included for every Nigerian athlete.
Amusan was given preferential treatment
What caught the most attention in Okowa’s defence was that Amusan was the only Nigerian athlete flown to Tokyo on business class, PUNCH reports.
The AFN President said the athletics body approved the upgrade after she requested it.
“All other athletes came on economy class, but Tobi alone flew business class. We got business class for her because that was what she demanded,” Okowa revealed.
“She did not make any other request.”
The statement has divided opinion among fans. Some believe Amusan was right to speak up about poor treatment regardless of the flight upgrade, while others argue that her preferential travel arrangement contradicts claims of neglect.
Journalist kicks AFN for disgraceful reply
Meanwhile, Nigerian journalist Jakande Omolade in chat with Legit.ng, kicked against the response from the AFN president.
"The response from the AFN President shows those in authority do not really care about the welfare of these athletes.
"If your biggest athlete is criticising the body for its failings, it is only fair to respond by meeting their needs and not blackmailing them with their level of flight tickets."
Pressure ahead of the semi-finals
Amusan remains one of Nigeria’s brightest medal hopes in Tokyo and is expected to feature in Tuesday’s semi-finals after cruising through her heat with a time of 12.53s, ACL Sports reports.
Source: Getty Images
The kit controversy, however, has overshadowed her performance and put more eyes on Nigeria’s athletics administrators.
The AFN has urged the athletes to focus on their performances, reminding them that podium finishes could earn them additional bonuses from the federation’s sponsors.
Whether the controversy dies down or fuels more debate, all eyes will be on Amusan as she returns to the track on Tuesday in search of another gold medal.
Only four AFN officials in Tokyo
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Tonobok Okowa has rubbished claims that the number of officials at the World Championships is more than the athletes.
The AFN President explained that Team Nigeria arrived in 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.
Source: Legit.ng
