Nigeria pulls out of 2025 World Relays as AFN accuses Chinese authorities of frustrating visa process, calls for compensation and future host reforms.
ABUJA — The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced the country’s withdrawal from the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China, citing visa delays and administrative bottlenecks by Chinese authorities.
In a statement on Friday, AFN said it began the visa process as early as February, but persistent complications and last-minute issuance made participation “physically impossible.”
“With deep regret, we…announce our withdrawal from the World Relays following unacceptable visa delays by Chinese authorities,” the federation wrote on Facebook.
The AFN detailed issues ranging from embassy miscommunication to multiple changes in visa application requirements.
“Chinese authorities frustrated our participation…providing incorrect invitation letters and changing the application portal twice!” the statement read.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, described the visa process as deliberately obstructive.
“The timing of this visa issuance on the very day our team was due to arrive can only be interpreted as either gross administrative incompetence or a deliberate attempt to exclude Nigerian athletes,” he said.
AFN now seeks compensation for financial losses and has called on World Athletics to reconsider its host selection criteria.
Team Nigeria had planned to compete in four events, with stars like Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili named in the relay squad.