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| Nigerian officials outnumber athletes in Tokyo delegation. |
Relay qualification follows strict ranking and performance criteria. World Athletics allocates 16 slots for each relay event. The top eight teams from the previous World Athletics Relays qualify automatically. The remaining eight slots go to teams with the fastest times during the qualification window. Both times must come from recognised international meets with electronic timing .
Nigeria's relay teams did not post enough fast times in the qualification cycle. They also did not participate in the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. This event served as the primary qualification pathway. Seven Nigerian athletes were denied visas by the Chinese embassy ahead of the May event. The affected athletes were mostly based in the United States. The AFN said it followed all application protocols .
A Chinese embassy statement said the AFN failed to meet processing timelines. Visas were issued on May 8 after documents arrived just two days prior. Some athletes and officials had secured entry earlier .
Without competing in Guangzhou, Nigerian teams lost their chance to qualify. The country tried to qualify through other means. At the African Region 2 Championships in Accra, Ghana, in August, Nigerian relay teams won gold medals. But their times fell below required standards. The men's 4x400m team ran 3:03.66. The benchmark was 2:59.12 .
The qualification window closed on August 24. Nigeria had no path to qualification remaining .
The relay absence affects many athletes. Those who could have secured automatic entry through relays missed their chance. They include Alaba Akintola, Itsekiri Itseoritshe, Fakorede Adekalu, Olayinka Olajide, and Justina Eyakpobayen. They compete in 4x100m and 4x400m categories .
Meanwhile, controversy grew around Nigeria's delegation to Tokyo. More sports officials than athletes travelled to the championships. Sources said the bloated delegation went under the guise of "official duties." Some athletes who automatically qualified for individual events were excluded from the final team list .
Dropped athletes include Kelly Ufodima (200m), Tima God-Bless (100m and 200m), Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m), and Temitope Adeshina (High Jump) .
Sports analyst Ifeoluwa Leo accused the AFN and National Sports Commission of a "jamboree" at public expense. He said they abandoned their core responsibilities to athletes .
World record holder Tobi Amusan criticised the AFN for inadequate athlete kits. In a social media video, she showed the substandard gear provided. She compared it to Jamaica's support for their athletes. Amusan called the situation "really embarrassing" for Nigeria .
The administrative problems extend beyond athletics. Four Nigerian wrestlers were denied visas for the World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. The affected athletes are Genesis Miessinne Mercy, Ogunsanya Tolulope Christianah, Ojo Damola Hannah, and Izolo Stephen Simon. All are highly accomplished with multiple African titles .
Croatian authorities cited doubts about whether the athletes would return to Nigeria. Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Daniel Igali called the reasoning unjust. He said it undermines principles of equality in global sport .
Some athletes have responded to administrative issues by switching nationalities. Olympic sprinter Favour Ofili confirmed her switch from Nigeria to Turkey. She cited years of frustration with AFN and Nigeria Olympic Committee officials. She said administrative failures cost her two Olympic appearances .
Ofili said she received no compensation or apology from Nigerian officials. AFN President Tonobok Okowa claimed her switch was purely financial. He denied the AFN was responsible for her Olympic exclusions .
The United States has issued travel advisories for Nigeria and 15 other African countries. The advisories cite security threats, political instability, and health concerns. This may create additional travel hurdles for future international competitions .
Nigeria's sports ministry has urged the AFN to address its administrative lapses. There are calls for an independent probe into the relay qualification failure .
The World Championships continue through September 21 in Tokyo. Nigeria has 15 athletes competing in individual events. They include Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles), Ese Brume (long jump), and Favour Ofili (200m) .