Nigeria Officially Withdraws from World Athletics Relays Due to Visa Delays

After days of uncertainty, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced its withdrawal from the World Athletics Relays, scheduled for May 10–11, 2025, in Guangzhou, China, citing unacceptable visa delays by Chinese authorities as the primary reason.

In a statement on its official social media platforms, the AFN revealed that it began processing documentation since February. However, Chinese authorities hindered their participation, claiming that they did not have contact with their own embassies in Washington and Abuja, also providing incorrect invitation letters, and changing the application portal twice.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Chinese authorities finally approved visas for the seven US-based athletes, causing a rushed attempt to arrange travel and ensure the athletes arrived in China on time – efforts which would have still resulted in the athletes arriving just two hours before the commencement of the competition.

Given the circumstances, the AFN doubled down on its decision to withdraw, stating: “It became clear our team wouldn’t receive fair treatment or opportunity to compete.”

The World Athletics Relays serves as a qualifying event for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Full Official Statement:

With deep regret, we, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, announce our withdrawal from the World Athletics Relays due to unacceptable visa delays by Chinese authorities.
Despite our diligent efforts to process documentation since February, our athletes have faced numerous obstacles—from embassy miscommunications to last-minute visa approvals that made attending the competition physically impossible.
The impact has been severe: wasted training preparations, significant financial losses, lost qualification opportunities, and devastating psychological effects on our athletes, who were ready to represent Nigeria with pride.
Chinese authorities frustrated our participation by claiming they lacked contact with their own embassies in Washington and Abuja, 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 demands for police reports and bank statements from all participating athletes, coaches, and officials added further complications.
We stand by our decision to withdraw, as it became clear our team would not receive fair treatment or a genuine opportunity to compete.
We thank our athletes for their dedication and resilience through this challenging situation.