Visa
By Ladi
Abuja, May 10, 2025 The Embassy of China in Nigeria has debunked media reports issued by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN) over alleged failure of Nigerian athletes to participate in the competition in China due to visa issues.
The Embassy made the clarification in a statement on Saturday in Abuja responding to claims by AFN announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
According to the statement, the Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
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 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.
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.
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.
“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,” it says.
The Embassy recalls that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in a statement on Friday blamed China’s visa process for the withdrawal.
The federation regretted that despite beginning the application process in February, “the embassy delayed till a last-minute visa issuance” making it impossible for the team to participate in the event.
“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,” the AFN statement noted.
However the embassy’s reiterated its commitment 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.
