Nigerian Athletics Federation Embroiled in Public Dispute with Top Athlete Oluwatobi Amusan

The dispute between Oluwatobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women's 100 metres hurdles, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has brought to the forefront the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian athletics administration. Amusan's publicized concerns over the inadequate provision of competition gear have sparked widespread criticism of the Federation, with many referencing similar incidents in previous years. The controversy has sparked renewed calls for reforms, with athletes and observers highlighting the need for accountability in sports governance.

Key Takeaways:

• The dispute between Amusan and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria began with a Snapchat video posted by Amusan on September 12, 2025, where she expressed frustration over the lack of a proper suitcase, spikes, trainers, and other essential items provided by the Federation.
• The Federation responded through its president, Tonobok Okowa, stating that the kits were distributed in batches and that Amusan had only shown a portion of what she received.
• Okowa claimed that the Federation had provided identical gear to other sponsored teams, including Algeria, Zambia, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar, and that the difference was in the distribution process.
• Hiracer, the sportswear company sponsoring Nigeria and other countries, confirmed that the uniform distribution was even across all sponsored countries and announced bonuses for medal winners.
• Former Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare entered the discussion, defending Amusan and criticizing the Federation for dismissing her concerns and bringing up the business class travel arrangement.
• Okagbare accused officials of sabotage and pointed to a similar incident in 2021, where athletes faced shortages despite available gear.
• The incident is part of a pattern of administrative failures in Nigerian athletics, including a $2.7 million deal with Puma that fell through due to interference from those in power and registration errors leading to an athlete switching to Turkey in 2025.
• An investigation confirmed the registration errors by Federation officials, and an athlete has spoken about welfare concerns, including being compelled to compete while injured.

Statistics:

• The Athletics World Championships in Tokyo began on September 13, 2025, and will continue until September 21.
• Nigeria sent a team of 15 athletes to the championships.
• Amusan posted a Snapchat video on the evening of September 12, 2025.
• Hiracer announced bonuses for medal winners, including $30,000 for gold, $20,000 for silver, and $10,000 for bronze.
• The Athletics Federation of Nigeria signed a $2.7 million agreement with Puma in 2019 for uniform supply.
• The deal included bonuses of $15,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze.
• In 2024, sprinter Favour Ofili missed the 100 metres event at the Paris Olympics due to registration errors by Federation officials.

Sources:

• "Oluwatobi Amusan sparks outrage with Athletics Federation of Nigeria" (Source: various social media platforms)
• Statement by Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (Source: Federation's official statement)
• Announcement by Hiracer of bonuses for medal winners (Source: Hiracer's official statement)
• Account of Blessing Okagbare (Source: social media platforms)
• Investigation by the Federal Government confirming registration errors by Federation officials (Source: official investigation report)
• Statement by Samuel Ogazi (Source: various media outlets)