Nigerian athletes are notably missing from the World Athletics Indoor Championships due to visa issues that resulted in their 10-member team being depleted. Notable athletes like Ezekiel Nathaniel and Success Umukoro were absent from their respective events, raising concerns among fans. The AFN attempted to ensure participation despite initial hesitations. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu achieved gold in the men’s 60m final on the event’s first day.
The commencement of the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championship in Nanjing, China, has highlighted the absence of Nigerian athletes from the event. According to PUNCH Sports Extra, challenges related to visa issues have significantly reduced the country’s originally planned 10-person team, resulting in none of the athletes being listed for competition.
On the first day of the championship, Nigerian athletes scheduled to partake in events on Friday and Saturday were notably absent from the official schedule. This includes Ezekiel Nathaniel, the holder of the African indoor record for the 400m, who was not found in the heats for the men’s 400m, nor was Success Umukoro, Nigeria’s representative in the women’s 60m, included in the start list.
Initially, the Nigerian team was set to feature 10 athletes competing in six events, including the women’s 60m and men’s shot put. Key athletes included in the roster were shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Nathaniel, and Olympic finalist Prestina Ochonogor. However, after visa complications, the Nigerian Athletics Federation (AFN) had to scramble to ensure participation despite earlier reservations about the competition given the athletes’ NCAA schedules.
As the championship progresses towards its conclusion on Sunday, observers hope that Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who is reportedly in China, may still compete in the shot put as well as the men’s 4x400m relay. On a contrasting note, the first day of competition concluded dramatically, with Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu clinching gold in the men’s 60m final. Azu clocked a personal best of 6.49 seconds while Puerto Rico’s Eloy Benitez fell during the race, and USA’s Ronnie Baker sustained an injury just before the finish line.
The significant visa challenges have led to the exclusion of Nigerian athletes from the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Despite their original representation in six events, the absence of key competitors such as Ezekiel Nathaniel and Success Umukoro is a disappointing outcome for Nigeria. Fans are left anticipating whether Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will participate in the remaining events. In a stirring contrast, the first day of the championship saw exciting performances, including a dramatic victory for Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu.
Original Source: punchng.com
