Nigerian hurdler Tobi Amusan entered the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as the centerpiece of her nation’s delegation, expected to chase the title she first claimed in Eugene in 2022 with her still-standing world record of 12.12. Her recent season had provided ample evidence of readiness. A win in Rabat on May 19 with a meeting record of 12.45, second-place finishes in Paris on July 7 and Eugene on May 25, and victory at the Ostrava Golden Spike on May 28. Yet, instead of headlines about her lane dominance, an entirely different story emerged just days before competition, one that placed Nigeria’s preparation under intense scrutiny.

The controversy began with footage shared by Amusan herself, where she revealed the kit distributed to athletes by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. Standing as one of Nigeria’s most prominent medal hopes, Amusan’s words were direct and sharp. “As it is now, I have to wear an Adidas black tight… When I tell you say Jamaica is in the same WhatsApp group with Nigeria, but them no worse like Nigeria. Nigeria, all the other countries give their athletes two kits. See what Nigeria pack give us. This country (Nigeria) is really embarrassing.” The remarks circulated swiftly, setting off a wave of discussion across the track and field community.

Her decision to speak publicly was not without precedent. Athletes from other Nigerian teams have raised comparable grievances in recent years. During the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2022, Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre described the absence of even the most basic recovery infrastructure. Speaking to Lagos Talks 91.3 FM, she explained, “For me and for some of the other girls, we were tired towards the end because we were put in a hotel in Morocco that didn’t have a gym. Towards the end of the tournament, we were taken to a public gym to be able to use.” The sense of neglect, repeated across disciplines, revealed an ongoing structural weakness in Nigeria’s approach to international sport.

Amusan’s statement struck a deeper chord precisely because of her status within global athletics. She is not only the world record holder but also the reigning champion, a figure whose performances carry significant national symbolism. And support from peers and fans soon followed. 

Tobi Amusan’s kit controversy sparks outrage and support across track and field

The phrase “The mediocrity is Nauseating 😩🤮” reflects frustration at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s inability to provide adequate kits for its top athletes. Fans view Amusan’s footage as evidence of a lack of professionalism, where a world record holder must resort to wearing “an Adidas black tight” instead of a proper national uniform at the World Championships.

With “Every aspect of sports administration in this country is being run into the ground because some people believe that they need to enrish themselved from the position. God safe us!” the focus shifts to corruption. This comment ties Amusan’s disclosure to a broader perception that officials prioritize personal gain over athlete welfare, echoing longstanding criticisms across Nigerian sport.

“WTF is out Sport structure / See those pants like wtf are those. Ofili naw our only star in track at the moment. A whole world record holder. / In other countries she will be respected as a diety in sport,” wrote a fan. Such a take highlighted disbelief at the mismatch between Amusan’s stature and the resources given to her. The reference to Ofili shows fans’ concern that Nigeria’s brightest names are undervalued compared with global peers.

In a crushing blow to the entire nation, Favour Ofili took to social media on July 30, 2024, to announce that she wouldn’t be competing in the 100m. She then further clarified that the Nigerian Athletics Federation failed to submit her name for the event. The online outrage that followed was deafening. Young people had a choice of words for the country’s sports administration. Fellow athletes sympathized with her. But deep down, Favour Ofili was done with Nigeria.

The exasperation in “Every year, same rubbish! Sports administration in this country is infuriating, for real” underlines that Amusan’s grievance is not isolated. Fans interpret it as part of a recurring cycle in Nigerian sports, where athletes repeatedly encounter issues with logistics, preparation, and equipment despite competing on the highest stages.

Another remark read, “This is highly embarrassing and demeaning!!!! What more gives Nigeria bad names and de-market the nation than this show of shame from NIGERIA? Where is the encouragement? Other nations dey use travelling bag pack kits give their reps, una dey use nylon.” This expands the criticism to the national image. Amusan’s revelation is seen as not only undermining athletes’ morale but also diminishing how Nigeria is perceived globally in comparison to other nations’ well-prepared delegations.