World Athletics has denied any blame in the visa debacle that derailed Nigeria’s participation in the World Relays in Guangzhou, insisting all entry protocols were clearly communicated well in advance.
On Friday, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria confirmed a full withdrawal from the two-day global meet, which doubles as a qualifier for the World Championships in Tokyo, citing administrative delays that rendered travel impossible.
“Our athletes submitted all required documentation in good faith and well in advance,” AFN president Tonobok Okowa said. “Yet we were met with delays that made participation impossible.”
Visas were eventually issued but only on the same day the team was meant to arrive in China, rendering the long trip unfeasible with key events already underway or completed.
Okowa questioned whether it was incompetence or a deliberate attempt to exclude Nigeria, and called on World Athletics to rethink future host selections to avoid such diplomatic barriers.
World Athletics, however, pushed back firmly.
“The LOC in Guangzhou was very clear with all stakeholders from the outset,” a statement from the global body said. “No visas were denied to any Nigerian athletes or personnel, and there was no early indication of issues from the AFN.”
The organisation also confirmed that some Nigerian athletes and officials had received visas, casting doubt on AFN claims of systemic exclusion.
As the relays proceed in China without Nigeria, the AFN is now exploring compensation options for financial losses tied to the failed trip.
