The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will be seeking financial compensation after delays forced the Team Nigeria official withdrawal from the 2025 World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China, Sports247 reports.
The AFN citing severe delays in visa processing by Chinese embassies in the United States, Germany, and Nigeria as the reason for the withdrawal.
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In a press release issued Friday, the AFN expressed its deep disappointment, stating:
“With deep regret, we have withdrawn Team Nigeria from the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China, despite visas finally being issued today, far too late for meaningful participation in the competition.”
The Federation criticized what it called a “fundamental failure of Chinese administrative processes,” noting that the visas were only issued on May 8—the same day the team was scheduled to arrive in Guangzhourendering participation logistically impossible.
The AFN outlined several issues that contributed to Nigeria’s inability to compete:
The body asserted that Chinese authorities imposed requirements that far exceeded international norms, placing a heavy burden on Nigerian nationals.
Despite early submission of passport applications at Chinese embassies in Washington D.C., Berlin, and Abuja, there were unexplained delays.
The requirement for a “Verification Letter of Invitation” was inconsistently applied and poorly explained, with local organizing officials themselves unsure of procedures.
Even after all documents were deemed complete, Chinese authorities held applications for several days, eventually issuing visas only on the day of scheduled arrival.
Consequences of the Withdrawal
The AFN highlighted the significant impact of this situation:
Inability to reach competition venues in time
Wasted training specifically designed for the event
Financial losses in airfare, accommodation, and logistics
Missed qualification opportunities
Emotional and psychological toll on the athletes
AFN President Laments Diplomatic Breakdown
AFN President and Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Zone II President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, expressed his frustration:
“Today’s last-minute visa issuance by Chinese authorities represents a diplomatic failure that has profound sporting consequences.”
He added:
“Our athletes submitted all required documentation in good faith and well in advance, yet were subjected to delays and obstacles that made their participation impossible. The timing of this visa issuance on the very day our team was due to arrive can only be interpreted as either gross administrative incompetence or a deliberate attempt to exclude Nigerian athletes from the World Relays.”
Okowa emphasized that Nigeria met all obligations and qualification standards, and he placed full responsibility for the failed participation on the Chinese authorities.
The AFN is now calling on World Athletics to re-evaluate its host country selection process to ensure future competitions are held in countries with transparent, efficient visa processes that support true global participation.
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