Empty stadium greets Tobi Amusan's return at the 2023 Nigeria Trials in Benin

On her first race back in Nigeria since running the World Record (WR), Tobi Amusan was greeted by an empty stadium with no spectators and a lack of media enthusiasm at the 2023 Nigeria Trials.

Amusan, who became Nigeria's first WR holder and outdoor world champion at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, didn't have the homecoming or fans turnout befitting of a national heroine.

The superstar hurdler raced in the 100m Hurdles semifinal and conveniently won her race at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, qualifying for the final.

However, the lack of media awareness by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and spectator attendance has got sports enthusiasts talking, referencing why a better ovation wasn't organised for the global icon.

For example, there was no online or traditional media exposure concerning the Trials - the biggest yearly athletics meet in the country, and apart from athletics enthusiasts following the sport vividly and creating online content, the meet is as good as bland.

Then the question is, does the AFN have functioning media and marketing departments responsible for athletes and competition promotions? Because if they do, they should have done a better job at using Amusan's popularity and relevance to attract sponsors and media engagements.

In a sane country that understands sports marketing and fan engagement, the Nigeria Trials should be aired live on a local TV station and live-streamed on at least one social media platform of the AFN.

Secondly, top corporate sponsors, including those Amusan is signed with as their ambassador should be sponsoring the meet, and they'll be guaranteed a return on investments through the visibility and reach the meet brings.

In the 80s and early 90s, Mobil used to be the main sponsor of the Nigeria Trials/Championships making it one of the most anticipated sports competitions in the country.

The quality of home and foreign-based athletes, spectators' attendance, media exposure, and events competitiveness were world-class standards compared to now.

Unfortunately, the AFN has lost the plot since Mobil withdrew its sponsorship, and they have found no way out.

Here are some online reactions to this issue on ground.

The present generation of Nigerian athletes is doing their best globally and bringing relevance back to the sport in the country.

It's high time the Ministry of Sport and the AFN maximise this opportunity. Like the simple quote says: 'Professional sports is a business' - Lynn Swann.