Nigeria has announced its decision not to participate in the 2025 World Athletics Relays scheduled to take place in Guangzhou, China, as a result of unresolved visa complications impacting several key athletes. 

This decision comes despite the National Sports Commission (NSC) having made early preparations and approved funding, as confirmed by officials on Thursday. 

Bokola Olopade, the Director General of the NSC, issued a public statement to clarify the situation and prevent the spread of misinformation. 

He stated that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had met all necessary requirements for participation, including timely registration, logistical arrangements, and athlete training, with funding approved as early as February or March. 

However, delays in visa processing for seven Nigerian athletes based in the U.S. have thwarted the country's plans to compete in the World Relays, which are crucial for qualifying for the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympic Games.

Olopade criticized World Athletics and the host nation for failing to ensure a smooth visa process for all participants, particularly highlighting the impact of China's diplomatic relations with the United States, which has resulted in entry denials for the U.S.-based athletes. 

He pointed out that the visa applications for these athletes were submitted concurrently with those of their Nigeria-based counterparts, who successfully obtained their visas. 

In light of this setback, the AFN has formally petitioned World Athletics for Nigeria to be granted a qualifying slot or a special waiver, citing administrative failures and barriers imposed by the host nation as valid reasons. 

Olopade stressed that this initiative is a proactive measure to safeguard Nigeria's competitive opportunities against circumstances beyond their control, asserting that the narrative should not be dictated by those lacking accurate information.