NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the outreach as “a huge sign of better things to come,” while Director General Bukola Olopade praised the Embassy’s diplomatic approach.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has apologized for the visa delays that led to Nigeria’s withdrawal from the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, describing the incident as accidental and regrettable.
“We are sorry and we regret it in its entirety,” said Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy, during a visit to Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) on Tuesday.
He pledged better cooperation, including creating a dedicated communication channel and initiating exchange programmes for athletes and journalists.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the outreach as “a huge sign of better things to come,” while Director General Bukola Olopade praised the Embassy’s diplomatic approach.
“Your humility and diplomacy are the best I have seen anywhere,” Olopade said.
Earlier, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria blamed the Chinese authorities for the visa delay. However, both sides have since moved past the dispute and are focusing on stronger bilateral ties in sports development.