The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria has refuted a media report by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), in which it blamed its withdrawal from the Guangzhou World Athletics Relays—scheduled to hold in China between May 10 and 11—on the delayed issuance of visas by Chinese authorities.

While regretting the inability of Nigerian athletes to participate in the event in China, the embassy insisted that the statement issued by the AFN was clearly inconsistent with the facts.

According to the statement issued Saturday by the embassy, the delay was caused by the Nigerian authority, which took over 10 days to provide the necessary documents requested by the embassy to process the visas.

The embassy maintained that it has remained committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Nigerian people and stands ready to continue providing support and assistance for exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including sports.

It read in part: “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,” it said.