The Embassy of China in Nigeria has denied allegations that visa delays were responsible for Nigerian athletes’ withdrawal from the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. In a statement, the embassy asserted that it acted swiftly and professionally to facilitate the visa process.

According to the embassy, it received a formal request for visa support from Nigeria’s National Sports Commission on April 24, and immediately communicated with the Commission and provided guidance on required documentation. The visa application materials were submitted to the China Visa Application Centre on May 6, and the embassy activated expedited procedures, completing visa issuance by May 8.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries,” the statement read. “We have consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner.”

The embassy described the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) statement as “clearly inconsistent with the facts,” emphasizing that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty and requires applicants to follow standard procedures and timelines.

The Chinese mission reiterated its commitment to promoting sports and cultural exchange between the two nations, expressing regret over the athletes’ absence from the competition. The AFN has yet to respond to the Chinese Embassy’s rebuttal.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner,” the embassy stated, adding that it is committed to supporting people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries.