By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria has pulled out of the 2025 World Relays set to be held in Guangzhou, China, due to delays in securing visas for its athletes.
In a statement released on Friday, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) attributed the withdrawal to complications in China’s visa issuance process.
The federation expressed disappointment, noting that although visa applications began in February, the embassy delayed approvals until the last minute, ultimately preventing the team from attending the competition.
“With deep regret, we, the AFN, announce our withdrawal from the World Relays following unacceptable visa delays by Chinese authorities.
“ Despite our diligent efforts processing documentation since February, our athletes have faced numerous obstacles.
“This includes embassy embarrassment to last-minute visa issuance that made competition attendance physically impossible.
“The impact has been severe.
“It has wasted training preparations, significant financial losses, lost qualification opportunities, and devastating psychological effects on our athletes,” AFN noted.
The federation also lamented various documentation requested by the embassy noting that there were “poorly communicated”.
“Chinese authorities frustrated our participation by claiming they didn’t have contact with their own Embassy in Washington and Abuja, also providing incorrect invitation letters and changing the application portal twice.
“ Their requirement for a special “Verification Letter of Invitation” was poorly communicated and inconsistently applied while they demanded police reports and even bank statements from all participating athletes, coaches, and officials.
“We stand by our decision to withdraw as it became clear our team wouldn’t receive fair treatment or opportunity to compete,” the federation said.
Team Nigeria comprising nine women and eight men, were scheduled to compete in four events: the men’s and women’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m, and mixed 4x400m relays.
The tournament is slated for Saturday and Sunday.
