By Favour Ulebor

ABUJA — The Embassy of China in Nigeria has responded to reports that Nigerian athletes missed the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays due to visa delays by Chinese authorities.

In a statement on Saturday, the Embassy said the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had claimed it withdrew from the May 10–11 event because of delayed visas, but the Embassy insists this is not accurate.

According to the statement, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria on April 24, dated April 22, seeking assistance for the athletes’ visa applications.

It explained that the China Visa Application Centre received the application documents on May 6, and that the Embassy activated an expedited process.

The Embassy emphasized that it has always supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries.

The statement in parts, “The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials so as to expedite visa application.

“The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.

“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,” the statement added.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting friendly exchanges and cooperation with Nigeria, including in the field of sports.