The Embassy of China in Nigeria has responded to media reports regarding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) withdrawal from the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, citing alleged visa delays.
The Embassy said, it received a formal request from Nigeria’s National Sports Commission on April 24, based on a letter dated April 22, seeking assistance with athlete visa processing.
The Embassy promptly engaged the Commission and guided the preparation of necessary documents.
Visa applications were submitted to the China Visa Application Centre on May 6, and expedited processing was completed by May 8.
The Embassy emphasized its consistent support for sports and cultural cooperation with Nigeria and its commitment to providing efficient visa services. It also noted that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty and requires appropriate documentation and processing time.
While regretting the athletes’ inability to attend the event, the Embassy stated that the AFN’s claims do not align with the actual timeline and facts, China remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties and supporting Nigerian participation in future international events.
