The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has denied claims that it delayed visas for Nigerian athletes who pulled out of the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, blaming the withdrawal on a “misunderstanding” over visa processing timelines.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had earlier pointed fingers at Chinese authorities for the late issuance of visas, forcing the team to miss the May 10–11 competition.

In a statement released Saturday in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy expressed regret over the missed participation but said it acted swiftly and professionally once it received the visa request.

“On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated 22 April) requesting assistance in processing visas,” the Embassy said. “The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials.”

According to the statement, the visa application materials only reached the China Visa Application Centre on May 6. “The Embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure… and completed the visa issuance on May 8,” it added.

The Embassy insisted that the AFN’s version of events was “clearly inconsistent with the facts” and reminded the public that visa processing is subject to national sovereignty, requiring adequate documentation and time.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation… and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner,” it said.

While disappointed by the athletes’ absence, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to future sports collaborations between both countries.