By Amaechi Agbo
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has come out to debunk the National Sports Commission’s statement that Seven athletes meant to participate at the World Athletic event in China 5were withdrawn following visa delay from the Embassy.
The Chinese Embassy in press release on Sunday accused the NSC of being economical with the truth adding that despite the urgent nature of the application, the embassy processed the visas on May 8 to enable them participate at the competition skated for 10 and 11 May.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria has noted that, according to Nigerian media reports, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN ) issued a statement announcing its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays scheduled to be held in China from May 10 to 11, 2025, following visa delays by the Chinese authorities.
“The Embassy of China in Nigeria would like to state the following facts and position:
“On April 24, the Embassy received a letter from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria (dated 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.
“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.
“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 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.
“We regret that the Nigerian athletes were unable to participate in the event in China this time, but the statement issued by the AFN is clearly inconsistent with the facts. The Embassy of China in Nigeria remains committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports, the embassy said.
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