Nigeria has officially pulled out of the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China, citing significant visa delays for its athletes as the primary reason for the withdrawal.
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The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) issued a statement expressing frustration over the Chinese authorities’ slow visa processing, which involved excessive and discriminatory requirements. According to the AFN, these obstacles made it impossible for the Nigerian team to attend the event. The federation has raised concerns that this could either be a result of administrative errors or a deliberate attempt to prevent Nigeria’s participation.
In light of the situation, the AFN has called on World Athletics to factor in the visa policies of host nations when selecting venues for future championships.
Furthermore, the federation is seeking compensation for the financial losses incurred as a result of the withdrawal, highlighting the challenges faced by athletes and organizations navigating complicated visa processes.
