Abuja: The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has urged an enhanced collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the creation of a China-Nigeria sports communication channel to facilitate a seamless partnership in the sports sector. This call comes after a visa delay by the Chinese embassy led to Team Nigeria withdrawing from the World Relays in Guangzhou, China.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Culture Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Yang Jian Xing, expressed regret over the visa challenges during a diplomatic visit to the NSC leadership in Abuja. Xing pledged China’s commitment to Nigeria’s vision for sports development, describing the visa issue as an accident and extending apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Xing emphasized the Chinese government’s esteem for Nigeria and its desire to enhance diplomatic ties through sports and other mutual interests. He proposed better collaboration with the NSC to boost sports training and exchange programs, and suggested the establishment of a special channel for China-Nigeria sports communication.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, welcomed the visit from the Chinese Embassy officials, interpreting it as a sign of genuine disappointment and a promise of improved future relations. Dikko highlighted the importance of creating positives from such incidents and expressed optimism for a strengthened relationship with China.
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, echoed the sentiment of building stronger sporting ties with China. He viewed the visa glitch as an opportunity to develop a more robust working relationship between the two countries. Olopade praised the diplomatic approach of the Chinese Embassy and expressed gratitude for the proposed exchange programs and training opportunities for Nigerian athletes and media personnel.
The visit and discussions mark a pivotal moment in the diplomatic and sports relations between Nigeria and China, with both parties looking forward to a beneficial partnership.