Nigerian Athletes Absent from 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championship Due to Visa Issues
Nigerian athletes were absent from the start of the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championship in Nanjing due to visa issues that affected their 10-man team. Key competitors, including Ezekiel Nathaniel and Success Umukoro, were notably missing from event listings. While the AFN explored logistical solutions, fans await updates on athlete participation amidst an exciting start to the championship.
The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championship in Nanjing, China, commenced without Nigerian athletes, who were notably absent from the event’s start lists due to significant visa complications affecting the initially planned 10-member team. Reports from PUNCH Sports Extra revealed that these visa issues prevented the participation of key athletes scheduled to compete on day one, including new African indoor 400m record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel and the sole female 60m entrant, Success Umukoro.
Despite prior announcements that listed ten Nigerian athletes expected to partake in six events, their names were missing from the heats. Notable members of the contingent included shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and others like Chidi Okezie and Prestina Ochonogor, all geared up to represent Nigeria across various indoor track and field events. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had initially contemplated withdrawing from the competition due to the scheduling conflicts faced by NCAA athletes.
As the championship unfolds, observers eagerly await updates on Chukwuebuka Enekwechi’s potential participation in the men’s shot put and the 4x400m relay, should he be able to compete. In the meantime, the championship’s first day concluded with Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu claiming gold in the 60m final amidst dramatic performances and unexpected struggles among competitors. Azu’s victory, achieved with a personal best time of 6.49 seconds, highlighted the excitement of the event while the fate of Nigerian athletes remains uncertain.
The absence of Nigerian athletes from the World Athletics Indoor Championship is primarily due to visa issues that depleted their anticipated contingent. Key competitors, including record-holders, were unable to compete, and the AFN’s initial consideration to withdraw further delayed participation. As the championship proceeds, the outcome and potential contributions of select athletes remain the focus for Nigerian supporters as the competition unfolds.
Original Source: punchng.com
