Nigeria Misses Out on Relay Events at 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo Over Administrative Failures
In a major blow to the nation’s sporting ambitions, Nigeria will not be participating in any relay races at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The shocking development is reportedly due to a series of administrative blunders by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Sources close to the team reveal that the country’s withdrawal stems from alleged mismanagement, including the replacement of qualified athletes with federation officials and failure to secure visas on time for key competitors. The decision has sparked outrage within the athletics community and raised serious concerns over the state of sports governance in Nigeria.
This marks a significant setback for Nigeria, traditionally known for its strong relay teams, particularly in the 4x100m and 4x400m events. The absence is expected to affect the country’s medal prospects and visibility on the global athletics stage.
Athletes, fans, and stakeholders have expressed disappointment, calling for an urgent investigation and accountability from the AFN leadership. “This is not just an embarrassment — it’s a lost opportunity for our athletes who have trained tirelessly for years,” said a former national coach.
The situation also raises broader questions about Nigeria’s sports administration and the recurring issues that continue to hinder progress, despite the country’s wealth of athletic talent.
As the World Athletics Championships continue in Tokyo, Nigeria’s absence from the relay track serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of poor planning, mismanagement, and neglect of athlete welfare.
