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 redeem the cash reward of $20,000 to Tobi Amusan for her silver medal feat at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, adding that the federation is committed to improve the welfare of athletes.
At a meeting in Tokyo on Monday night with Amusan and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, Okowa, was categorical he had no personal problem with the 100m hurdles world record holder who has been a great asset to the Federation.
He explained that the purported kits drama was purely a moment of misunderstanding, adding that all grey areas had been resolved as the AFN will continue to give priority to the welfare of athletes.
According to Okowa, the kits supplier, HiRacer is prepared to redeem the cash reward of $20,000 to Amusan for her silver medal and that 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 moment of misunderstanding. This new AFN board is responsive to our athlete’s needs.
“We will do things differently. At the meeting, I again congratulated Tobi Express for her great spirit to grab the silver in the 100 metres hurdles final. It was a moment of pride for Team Nigeria”, Okowa stated.
Meanwhile, the AFN boss has extended his appreciation to both the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, for settlement of allowances and bonuses due the athletes at the ongoing Tokyo 2025.
