AFN seeks compensation after Nigeria misses World Relays over visa delays
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is seeking financial compensation after visa delays forced Team Nigeria to withdraw from the 2025 World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China.
The AFN cited severe delays in visa processing by Chinese embassies in the United States, Germany, and Nigeria as the reason for the withdrawal.
In a press release issued Friday, the AFN expressed deep disappointment, stating:
“With deep regret, we have withdrawn Team Nigeria from the 2025 World Relays in Guangzhou, China, despite visas finally being issued today, far too late for meaningful participation in the competition.”
The federation criticized what it called a “fundamental failure of Chinese administrative processes,” noting that the visas were only issued on May 8—the same day the team was scheduled to arrive in Guangzhou—rendering participation logistically impossible.
The AFN outlined several issues that contributed to Nigeria’s inability to compete:
Chinese authorities imposed requirements that far exceeded international norms, placing a heavy burden on Nigerian nationals.
Despite early submission of passport applications at Chinese embassies in Washington D.C., Berlin, and Abuja, there were unexplained delays.
