By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

The Embassy of China in Nigeria has refuted media reports issued by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), which alleged that Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays due to visa issues.

The Embassy made the clarification in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

The statement is a response to AFN?s claim that it had to withdraw from the World Relays?scheduled to hold in China from May 10 to 11, 2025?due to delayed visa issuance by Chinese authorities.

The statement clarified that the Embassy provided the following timeline and clarification:

?On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from Nigeria?s National Sports Commission, dated April 22, requesting visa assistance for athletes traveling to China.

?The Embassy promptly engaged the Commission, offering guidance on preparing the required documents to expedite the process.

?The China Visa Application Centre received the athletes? visa applications on May 6.

?The Embassy activated expedited processing and completed the issuance of visas by May 8.

?The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries.

?We have consistently welcomed Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China and provided efficient, professional assistance in processing visa applications,? the statement read.

The Embassy, however, noted that visa issuance was a matter of national sovereignty and that all embassies required proper documentation and adequate processing time.

?We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts,? it added.

The Chinese Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening friendly exchanges between China and Nigeria, particularly in the area of sports, and pledged continued support for cooperation in various sectors.

On Friday, the AFN had issued a statement blaming Chinese authorities for delays that led to Nigeria?s withdrawal from the relays.

The federation claimed it began the application process in February and accused the Embassy of last-minute delays.

?With deep regret, we, the AFN, announce our withdrawal from the World Relays following unacceptable visa delays by Chinese authorities.

?In spite of our diligent efforts since February, our athletes have faced numerous obstacles,? the AFN said. (NAN)

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