“AFN Did Everything Correctly” – Bukola Olopade on Nigeria’s Non-Participation in the 2025 World Athletics Relays

In a devastating turn of events, the Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has announced that Team Nigeria will not participate in the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, scheduled to take place from May 10 to 11, 2025.

According to Olopade, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had fulfilled all requirements and submitted applications within the designated timeframe. The NSC had also approved funds for the team’s participation since February/March.

Olopade also stated, “World Athletics has failed in its responsibilities to get the host country to make visas easily available to athletes and officials.

The Chinese and Gwanzouh province, due to their hard policies against the USA, have failed to give visas to 7 of our US-based athletes. He added.”

The AFN has petitioned World Athletics, requesting a free pass for Nigeria to qualify for the World Athletics Championships, given the circumstances.

Nigeria was set to compete in four events: men’s 4x100m relay, women’s 4x100m relay, 4x400m mixed relay, and the 4x100m mixed relay.

Full Statement:

1. Nigeria will not be at the world relays.
2. Afn did everything correctly and at the right time.
3. NSC approved funds since Feb/march.
4. World Athletics has failed in its responsibilities to get the host country to make visas easily available to athletes and officials.
5. The Chinese and Gwanzouh province, due to their hard policies against the USA, have failed to give visas to 7 of our US-based athletes.
6. That the Nigeria Athletes got their visas and both applications were put in the same time weeks ago.
7. The Afn have sent a petition to WA to insist we are given a free pass to qualify, as this is an obvious failure from them and China.