Nigeria will not participate in the 2025 World Track and Field Relay race planned in Guangzhou, China, because it denied visas from seven American Nigerian athletes. The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the development on Thursday, May 8 through media assistant Kola Daniel, who confirmed the development to NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade.
According to the statement, the Chinese consulate in Nigeria refused to issue visas to athletes, a situation attributed to China’s strict U.S. policy. The affected athletes were expected to be part of the Nigerian relay team, and they were unable to travel and actually ruled the country.
The NSC stressed that the Nigerian Athletics Federation (AFN) followed all the necessary procedures and timelines, and the funds for the competition were reportedly approved as early as February and March. In April, AFN launched an 18 athlete team, including Star Hurdler and world record holder Tobi Amusan, who plans to run in the women’s 4x100m relay.
The Nigerian team was scheduled to compete in four relay games: men’s and women’s 4x100m, and a mixed 4x100m and 4x400m. The relay race is a qualifier for the World Track and Field Championships held in Japan later this year, with the top 14 teams in each match automatically qualifying.
To cope with the setback, the AFN has filed a petition to World Athletics for Nigeria to obtain a free pass so that Nigeria is eligible for the World Championships given their exceptional circumstances.
