AFN not consistent with the facts …- Theconclaveng

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has chosen holes in the reasons provided by the Nigeria Athletics Federation (AFN) for the inability of the Nigerian athletes to attend the world athletics of Guangzhou worldwide to be held in China from 10 to 11 May 2025, following the alleged delays of Visa of the Chinese authorities.

The Embassy in a Saturday declaration accused the AFN of inconsistency in his accusations, expressing that the embassy has always witnessed these issues in the past time and has not had equally lacking assistance in the recent case.

The declaration stated: “The Embassy of China in Nigeria observed that, according to the Nigerian media, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released a declaration that announced its retreat from the world athletics of Guangzhou world athletic which will be held in China from 10 to 11 May 2025, following the delays of Visa by the Chinese authorities.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to declare the following facts and position:
On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated 22 April) which required assistance in the processing of visas for Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China.

“The Embassy immediately communicated with the Commission and guided it to prepare the relevant materials in order to accelerate the visa application. On May 6, the CHINA VISA candidacy center received the relevant demand materials presented by the Nigerian athletes. The Embassy immediately activated the accelerated procedure, provided that the maximum assistance to the Nigerian applicants and completed the emission of Visa in May 8.

“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people in People and sports cooperation between the two countries, has repeatedly welcomed the Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China and have constantly witnessed Nigerian citizens in the requests for visas efficiently. Materials, as well as allowing sufficient time for the application process.

“We are sorry that the Nigerian athletes have not been able to participate in the event in China this time, but the declaration issued by the FN is clearly incompatible with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between sports.