Okowa affirms HiRacer’s $20,000 pledge to silver-winning Amusan

The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reiterated the commitment of kits supplier HiRacer to fulfill the $20,000 cash reward promised to Tobi Amusan for her silver medal achievement at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

He also emphasized the federation’s commitment to improving the welfare of athletes.

During a meeting with Amusan and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, on Monday night in Tokyo, Okowa said he had no issues with the 100m hurdles world record holder, whom he described as a great asset to the federation.

He explained that the alleged “kits drama” was merely a momentary misunderstanding, adding that all issues had been resolved. He reaffirmed that the AFN would continue to prioritize the welfare of its athletes.

According to Okowa, HiRacer is ready to redeem the $20,000 cash reward for Amusan’s silver medal performance, and discussions with the company have reached an advanced stage for a more rewarding kits sponsorship deal.

“There is no problem between Tobi and the federation. I have worked with her for more than four years. It was just a brief misunderstanding.

“This new AFN board is responsive to our athletes’ needs. We are committed to doing things differently. At the meeting, I again congratulated ‘Tobi Express’ for her incredible spirit in securing the silver in the 100 metres hurdles final. It was a proud moment for Team Nigeria,” Okowa stated.

Meanwhile, the AFN president extended his appreciation to both the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Honourable Olopade, for facilitating the settlement of allowances and bonuses due to the athletes at the ongoing Tokyo 2025 Championships.