September 13, (THEWILL) — Nigerian competitors at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have raised serious objections to the gear issued by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The competition starts this Saturday, and leading 100 metres hurdles athlete, Tobi Amusan, released video evidence showing deficient supplies that have caused considerable alarm. The Federation handed out goods in plain plastic bags, differing sharply from the structured baggage given to teams from nations such as the United States.
American participants, numbering 141 in total, arrived with comprehensive outfits backed by Nike sponsorship, featuring multiple sets of high-quality uniforms, specialised spikes, training apparel, warm-up suits, and dedicated travel cases. In comparison, Nigerian athletes received merely two items of each basic garment type. Critical elements like race shoes, practice footwear, protective outerwear, and transport bags were missing entirely.
Amusan observed that the material quality was poor with the potential to wear out quickly, which will be detrimental for athletes that ought to be focusing on their events rather than how to preserve their sportswears. The event continues until September 21, and such shortcomings have fostered views of inadequate national preparation.
This issue recalls earlier problems, such as a 2019 deal with a sportswear company that failed due to Federation conflicts. No subsequent deals emerged, resulting in present supplies from disparate sources that do not match international expectations. Amusan even questioned the brand that supplied the kits.
There are growing calls for major reforms in the Federation’s management to emphasise performer welfare and establish dependable providers. Without progress, additional athletes could follow the path of Favour Ofili, who recently switched allegiance to Turkey after repeated administrative oversights by the Federation prevented her participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and excluded her from the Paris 2024 100 metres event.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
