The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) came under fire on Friday night after world record holder and reigning 100m hurdles champion, Tobi Amusan, criticized the quality of kits provided for the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

Amusan shared a video on her social media page, showing the items she received from the federation. She described them as inferior and inadequate compared to what athletes from other countries received.

In the video, the Nigerian star unboxed the kits, which arrived in plain paper bags with no indication they were specifically designed for Team Nigeria. By contrast, athletes from other nations got high-quality training and competition gear properly packaged in branded suitcases.

“As it is now, I have to wear an adidas black tight,” Amusan said. “I will show you what Jamaica did for its athletes. When I tell you that Jamaica is in the same WhatsApp group as Nigeria, they are not as bad as Nigeria. For instance, other countries gave their athletes two sets of kits, but Nigeria delivered inadequate and substandard kits. This country is really embarrassing.”

Her video triggered mixed reactions online. While some questioned whether it was appropriate to make the matter public, others argued she did the right thing, given the federation’s long history of neglecting athletes’ welfare.

Sports analyst Ope Adebari defended Amusan’s decision to go public, stressing that athletes have raised the same concerns for years without seeing improvement. “There are consequences for certain actions and the AFN is reaping what it has sown,” he said.

Amusan, one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects, expressed disappointment at what she called repeated embarrassment, noting that the poor treatment of athletes is one of the main reasons many switch nationality. Her comments came just days after sprinter Favour Ofili chose to represent Turkey instead of Nigeria.

“It shows the AFN has not learned from past mistakes,” Adebari added. “It also shows they don’t care about athletes’ welfare and lack the competence to provide even the bare minimum.”

Amusan’s video also sparked speculation that she might consider competing for another country. But Adebari dismissed the rumours, insisting she is unlikely to change allegiance. “She’s already a world record holder for Nigeria. Most importantly, she is a top-ranked athlete with strong personal sponsors and a professional team, so she can withstand the federation’s shortcomings,” he explained.

For years, the AFN has faced criticism for mismanagement and poor treatment of athletes. Analysts argue that without major reforms, nothing will change.

“The AFN urgently needs restructuring,” Adebari stressed. “Competent individuals must be appointed to create the right environment for athletes, invest in coaching, and ensure regular competition opportunities. If the government or federation cannot fully fund athletes, private organizations should be allowed to step in and provide the necessary support.”