‘So what if you bought her a business class flight ticket?’: Okagbare slams AFN over criticism of Amusan

World and Olympic medalist Blessing Okagbare has strongly criticized the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, for attempting to silence sprint hurdler Tobi Amusan, who recently spoke out about the poor quality and insufficient quantity of competition kits provided to Nigerian athletes at the ongoing 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa responded by denying Amusan’s claims, stating that the federation had supplied all necessary kits except for bags, which were scheduled to arrive later.

He also questioned Amusan’s decision to speak publicly, pointing out that she was flown to Tokyo in business class, unlike other athletes who traveled in economy, courtesy of the National Sports Commission.

Okagbare, Nigeria’s 100m record holder, found the federation’s response deeply irresponsible.

‘They are always looking for ways to silence an athlete’s voice. Like seriously, who do us like this?’ she wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) page.

She accused the federation of using its media platforms to discredit athletes who speak out, calling it a cover-up for their own incompetence.

Okagbare also revisited the controversial Puma sponsorship deal from 2019, which she claims was sabotaged by officials within the Ministry of Sports and the federation.

‘You know, in 2021 (actually 2019), when we got the best sponsorship deal from a shoe company, those in power from the MOC and FP, even one who kept acting as federation president when he wasn’t anymore, did all they could to sabotage it. I asked once what they stood to gain if we didn’t get those gears, and he rolled his eyes at me,’ she wrote.

Okagbare revealed that after she posted about the issue on social media, she received a warning message telling her to stay out of it or she would ‘get what she was looking for.’

Days later, she was hit with a doping ban following her participation in the first round of the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics.

She further alleged that the Puma kits did arrive in Tokyo in 2021, but officials ensured the athletes never received them.

‘See ehn, these people. Now you’re trying to condemn an athlete for stating the obvious. So what if you bought her a business class flight ticket?’

Despite the controversy, Amusan has gone on to win what may potentially be Nigeria’s only medal at the championships, clocking a blistering 12.29 seconds to secure the silver in the 100m hurdles.