Nigeria’s world champion hurdler, Tobi Amusan, has openly criticized the quality of kits provided to the country’s athletes at the ongoing World Athletics Championships, sparking a debate over sports administration and athlete welfare. Amusan, who is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated track stars, expressed disappointment with the attire, saying it fell short of international standards and reflected poorly on the nation’s image.
The 27-year-old athlete, known for her outspoken defense of Nigerian athletes, took to social media to voice her frustration shortly after competing. According to her, the kits not only lacked aesthetic appeal but were also of substandard quality compared to those worn by competitors from other countries. She argued that Nigerian athletes deserve better, given the sacrifices they make and the prestige they bring to the country on the global stage.
Amusan’s criticism comes at a time when Nigerian sports authorities have faced increasing scrutiny over logistics and welfare issues in international competitions. From delayed allowances to poor travel arrangements, athletes have repeatedly complained about neglect and inadequate support, despite consistently delivering results at major tournaments.
The hurdler’s comments have generated mixed reactions among fans and sports analysts. While many sympathized with her concerns, insisting that top athletes should not be subjected to substandard representation, others questioned the timing of her remarks, suggesting they might distract from the competition. Still, the majority view appears to align with her call for reforms in how Nigeria prepares and equips its athletes.
Sports analysts note that national kits are not just about appearance but also about comfort, technology, and psychological confidence. For elite athletes competing at the highest level, properly designed kits can influence performance, providing ease of movement and boosting morale. Amusan’s criticism, therefore, has been described as a wake-up call for Nigerian sports administrators.
Officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) are yet to issue a formal response to Amusan’s comments. However, sources within the federation admit that budgetary challenges often affect the procurement of high-quality kits, even though the country has sponsorship deals that should ordinarily cover such needs.
As the championships continue, Amusan’s bold remarks are expected to keep pressure on sports authorities to address long-standing concerns about athlete welfare. For many observers, her criticism underscores a broader demand for accountability and professionalism in Nigeria’s sports administration, with hopes that future international outings will reflect better planning and support.
