By Gloria Ikibah
The Embassy of China in Nigeria has responded to reports that Nigerian athletes withdrew from the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou due to visa delays allegedly caused by Chinese authorities. 
In a statement issued by the embassy, the claim by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) was described as “clearly inconsistent with the facts.”
According to the embassy, “On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated April 22) requesting assistance in processing visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.”
The embassy explained that it responded promptly to the request: “The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application. On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.”
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria-China relations, the embassy added, “The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner.”
The embassy also stressed the importance of proper procedure in visa matters: “It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.”
Expressing regret over the athletes’ inability to attend, the embassy stated, “We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.”
