AFN: Amusan’s claims false, Team Nigeria fully equipped

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, has dismissed reports of a kits controversy involving World Record holder Tobi Amusan, insisting that Team Nigeria is fully kitted and well-prepared for the 20th World Athletics Championships currently underway in Tokyo, Japan.

AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, addressed the issue in a statement on Saturday, describing the reports as exaggerated and distracting.

He assured fans that the athletes are focused and have received all necessary provisions for a successful outing.

‘The complete kits have been provided. I met with the athletes and technical team. The issue of Olympic training grants was also raised, and I’m pleased to report that a good number of them have received theirs. They are wearing their new kits,’ Okowa was quoted to have said in the statement.

He did not however reveal what was given each of the athletes and no photo or video was shown revealing what the athletes got.

The AFN president added that Team Nigeria is being hosted in one of Tokyo’s top hotels, with excellent meals and adequate security, emphasizing that the athletes have no reason to complain.

He however failed to disclose that World Athletics and the LOC for the Championships are have not only accommodated and feeding all athletes who qualified for the Championships, they are also responsible for their travel.

Okowa also revealed that AFN is currently in talks with global sportswear brand HiRacer for a new sponsorship deal.

He said HiRacer supplied kits as part of a last-minute arrangement albeit no agreement has been signed.

He revealed that under the current plan, Nigerian medalists will receive cash rewards of $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze.

He clarified that the confusion stemmed from some athletes’ personal preferences for specific kit brands, not from any failure on the part of the federation.

Responding to concerns about the size of Nigeria’s delegation, Okowa stated that AFN traveled with 15 athletes, four technical officials, two medical staff, and two administrators, all within the quota approved by World Athletics.

He noted that any other Nigerians present in Tokyo are attending at their own expense.