Nigerian marathon runner, sports tourism promoter, and founder of FogAdventures, Mrs. Dayo Akinbode, has shared her experience of being singled out while travelling abroad, recounting how officials in Pakistan separated her from other visitors after discovering she was travelling on a Nigerian passport.
Akinbode made the disclosure in an interview with The PUNCH published on Saturday, July 25, 2026, where she reflected on the challenges some Nigerians encounter during international travel and the perceptions they often face at foreign entry points.
According to her, the incident occurred when she travelled to Pakistan after receiving an invitation from the country’s Chief of Air Staff to participate in a marathon.
She explained that upon her arrival, immigration or airport officials noticed that she was carrying a Nigerian passport and immediately separated her from the other participants.
Recalling the experience, Akinbode said she was initially treated differently because of her nationality before officials realized the purpose of her visit.
“Initially, I used to be upset about how the world treats Nigerians. I went to Pakistan, for instance. I was invited by the Chief of Air Staff to run a marathon. When I arrived, they saw my Nigerian passport and immediately separated me from the others,” she said.
According to Akinbode, the situation changed after she presented her invitation letter, which confirmed that she had been officially invited to the event.
She said the document clarified the purpose of her visit and prompted the officials to reconsider their initial approach.
After verifying the invitation, she recalled, the officials apologized for the treatment she had received and began treating her with greater courtesy and respect.
The marathon runner said the incident left a lasting impression on her but also highlighted the challenges many Nigerians face when travelling internationally.
While acknowledging that such experiences can be frustrating, Akinbode said she has come to understand that they are not isolated incidents and that many Nigerian travellers encounter similar scrutiny abroad.
Despite recounting the unpleasant experience, she said she does not place all the blame on foreign countries for the way some Nigerians are treated at international borders.
According to her, the global perception of Nigerians has been shaped by a range of factors, making travellers from the country subject to increased attention in some places.
Akinbode suggested that while the treatment can be upsetting, it is important to understand the broader context in which such perceptions have developed.
Throughout the interview, she reflected on how her perspective has evolved over time.
She explained that she initially felt angry about the treatment Nigerians sometimes receive overseas but has since adopted a more measured view of the issue.
Her comments shed light on the experiences of some Nigerian travellers who report facing additional screening, questioning, or delays at airports and border crossings because of their nationality.
As an athlete and sports tourism promoter who has travelled to different countries, Akinbode said her experience in Pakistan demonstrated how quickly assumptions can change once officials have access to complete information.
She noted that presenting her official invitation letter immediately altered the situation, leading the authorities to acknowledge the misunderstanding and apologize.
The incident also underscored the importance of carrying appropriate travel documentation, particularly when travelling for official events or international competitions.
Akinbode’s account has generated discussion on social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences of being subjected to additional checks or questioning while travelling abroad.
Others expressed hope that continued positive representation by Nigerians in sports, business, education, and other fields would contribute to improving the country’s image internationally.
Her remarks provide a personal perspective on the realities of international travel for some Nigerians while highlighting how official documentation and the purpose of travel can influence interactions with foreign authorities.
The interview also reflects broader conversations about national image, international mobility, and the experiences of Nigerians abroad, particularly those travelling for professional engagements, sporting events, and cultural exchanges.
