The People’s Republic of China has refuted claims by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) that it withdrew from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays due to the delay in visa issuance by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
In a statement on Saturday clarifying issues, the embassy said the delay was caused by the Nigerian authority’s failure to provide the requested necessary documents for visa processing early enough.
According to the statement, on April 24, the embassy received the NSC’s letter of April 22 requesting assistance in processing 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 so as to expedite visa application,” it stated.
“On May 6, China Visa Application Centre received the relevant application materials submitted by the Nigerian athletes. The embassy immediately activated the expedited procedure, provided the utmost assistance to the Nigerian applicants, and completed the visa issuance on May 8.
“It should be noted as well that visa issuance is a matter of national sovereignty, and all foreign embassies require applicants to provide the corresponding documents and materials, as well as allow sufficient time for the application process.”
Though it regretted the Nigerian athletes’ inability to participate in the tourney, the embassy said it has remained committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian people.
The embassy further assured of its readiness to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has always actively supported people-to-people and sports cooperation between the two countries, repeatedly expressed its welcome for Nigerian athletes to participate in events in China, and consistently assisted Nigerian citizens in visa applications in an efficient and professional manner,” it stated.
