AFN Responds to Kit Controversy, Announces Medal Bonuses for Nigerian Athletes

AFN Responds to Kit Controversy, Announces Medal Bonuses for Nigerian Athletes

By BSN Sports 

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has dismissed reports suggesting a controversy over athletes' kits involving World Record holder Tobi Amusan, insisting that Team Nigeria is fully equipped and prepared for the ongoing 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

In a statement issued on Saturday, AFN President Tonobok Okowa described the allegations as exaggerated and distracting, affirming that Nigerian athletes have received all necessary provisions. “The complete kits have been provided. I met with the athletes and the 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 stated.

However, Okowa did not provide specific details about the kits or disclose any visual evidence to support his claims. The lack of transparency has left room for continued speculation.

The AFN President also highlighted the accommodations provided for the team, noting that they are lodged in one of Tokyo’s top hotels, with quality meals and sufficient security. He stressed that athletes have no grounds for complaint.

Notably, Okowa did not acknowledge that World Athletics and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) are responsible for the accommodation, feeding, and travel of all athletes who qualified for the Championships, as per standard practice.

In a related development, Okowa revealed that the AFN is in talks with international sportswear brand HiRacer for a potential sponsorship deal. According to him, HiRacer supplied the current kits under a last-minute arrangement, although no formal agreement has been finalized.

He further explained that some of the confusion may have arisen from athletes’ personal preferences for specific brands, rather than any shortcomings on the federation’s part.

As part of efforts to incentivize performance, Okowa announced cash rewards for medalists: $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze.

Responding to questions about the size of Nigeria’s official delegation, the AFN head said the team comprises 15 athletes, four technical officials, two medical staff, and two administrators — all within the quota approved by World Athletics. He clarified that any other Nigerians present in Tokyo are attending the event at their own expense.