Stakeholders demand clarity from AFN over ‘Complete Kits’ claims amid Amusan’s allegations
Athletics stakeholders across Nigeria have called on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to publicly define what it meant by ‘complete kits’ following a growing controversy surrounding the gear provided to Team Nigeria athletes at the ongoing 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The demand comes in the wake of a viral video posted by World 100m hurdles record holder, Tobi Amusan, who criticized the federation for allegedly supplying incomplete kits to athletes.
In the video, Amusan, an Olympic finalist, three-time Diamond League winner, and former world champion, displayed the gear she received, which notably lacked a competition bag, spikes, and trainers or tennis shoes.
In response, the AFN issued a press statement dismissing Amusan’s claims, insisting that all athletes were given ‘complete kits’ and are currently wearing them in Tokyo.
The federation’s president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, described the reports as exaggerated and maintained that the athletes are fully equipped and focused on delivering podium-worthy performances.
However, stakeholders have challenged the AFN’s assertion, questioning the federation’s definition of ‘complete kits’ and whether what was distributed goes beyond what Amusan revealed.
They also expressed concern over the lack of transparency, asking why the AFN failed to document or record the distribution process to verify what each athlete received.
Critics argue that the AFN’s interpretation of ‘complete kits’ may be different from how it is defined according to international standards.
According to international norms, a complete competition kit for elite athletes should include, at minimum:
Competition singlet or top, competition shorts or briefs, warm-up gear like tracksuits or jackets for pre-race and post-race routines, rain gear as well as event-specific footwear like spikes for track events, throwing shoes, and training sneakers.
Others include accessories like compression socks, headbands, wristbands, gloves; support items such as hydration bottles, energy gels, towels, and recovery tools like foam rollers.
Stakeholders refer to videos of what other serious nations who understand the management of elite athletes provided their athletes and want AFN to do a video recording of what each athlete got, arguing that the Federation should not hide under a lifeless press release that does not confirm anything.
