Some disgruntled Nigerians have taken to social media to lambast the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, after he dismissed claims that the kits given to Nigerian athletes at the ongoing international championships were not inferior.

Women’s 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan had lashed out at the NSC over the kits provided for her and the other athletes representing Nigeria at the ongoing 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

In a video she shared via her Snapchat, Amusan disclosed that their kits were handed to them in nylon bags instead of suitcases, as was the case for athletes representing other countries.

The former world champion also lamented the poor quality of the competition gear, which didn’t include shoes despite officials taking their shoe sizes.

Reacting to the claims, NSC chief Dikko Shehu refuted them, stating that the kits procured through HiRacer were of the same quality used by athletes from other countries.

“The kits are not inferior. I thought the AFN should have been praised for quickly getting the transaction with HiRacer,” he said.

“If you look at other countries, they are also using similar kits from HiRacer. It is just probably about the packaging because it was not put in a box or bought in bulk like others are doing.”

“Probably she [Tobi Amusan] has an issue with the packaging, the quantity, yes. But the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has already explained that they are providing the kits in bits and pieces, so it shouldn’t really be an issue,” he stated.

Dikko's response to Amusan's criticism has been met with anger from Nigerians on social media, as many believe the NSC chairman is not competent for his role.

Here are some reactions:

@Olajide Benjamin wrote, "This sport chairman, wey no fit run 100 meters. How can he know the value of someone sacrificed for his/her own country?"

@The.Uyi said, "Can’t take criticism, can’t take accountability. Always feeling attacked. Pretty sums up the Nigerian system."

@Lilian Akudo Iheonye, "Make shame catch una small."

@Mr Godwin said, "If shame was a person 😞"

@bolaji_olaomo added, "Let's assume it's not inferior, but why must our own lack branding and packaging? Why must we be behind? What's with Nigeria and mediocrity?"

@kenobbor: "Keep quiet Mr. Shehu… Have you ever run even 100m? Instead of you to address the issue and see how things can be done better, you’re doing damage control. That’s what happens when the right minds don’t run the ministry. You ought to be in Agriculture or Fertiliser ministry."

WDN