World Athletics has defended its visa procedures following Nigeria’s withdrawal from the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China.
“Following the correct VISA process and timelines is of paramount importance for all stakeholders to ensure their VISAs are issued in time,” the global athletics body said in a statement.
“As far as we have been informed, no VISAs were denied to athletes or support personnel from either Nigeria or the Dominican Republic.”
The statement further noted that visa requirements vary from country to country, and the Local Organising Committee for the event had consistently provided clear guidelines. It added that the committee was fully cooperative throughout the entire process.
Despite this position, Nigeria withdrew from the 2025 World Athletics Relays after seven US-based athletes failed to secure visas for entry into China. Kola Daniel, media aide to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confirmed the setback. He attributed the visa denials to China’s strict policies on US-based applicants.
Reports indicate that the Nigerian team did not submit visa applications early enough, missing the window before China’s Labour Day celebrations, which ran from May 1 to May 5. This delay critically affected processing timelines.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had received government funding as early as February and made initial preparations. However, the failure to meet visa deadlines left the team stranded. Among the affected athletes was world champion and Olympic medal hopeful, Tobi Amusan.
The Nigerian squad had been set to compete in four relay events from May 10 to 12.
Nigeria’s withdrawal from the 2025 World Athletics Relays not only affects their international standing but also delivers a blow to their Tokyo,Japan world championship qualification .The Guangzhou Relays serve as a key qualifying event for the coming championship that will be held in September,this year
