The South African government has denied visas to Nigeria’s national under-18 basketball team, preventing them from participating in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament, set to be held in Cape Town from December 14 to 22.
The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) confirmed the visa denial, expressing deep disappointment and frustration, particularly as no explanation was provided for the decision.
Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the NBBF Youth Development Committee, condemned South Africa’s actions, labeling them as outright sabotage.
The South African Consulate in Abuja was responsible for the visa denial, a decision that has derailed Nigeria’s plans to compete in the biennial tournament. The team was scheduled to face Egypt in Pretoria on Tuesday (today), but their participation is now in jeopardy.
The young players, who had trained and camped in Abuja following their return from Abidjan, are devastated as they see their dreams of competing in the FIBA World Championship slip away due to the visa denial.
READ ALSO: D’Tigress Break Records, Soar to 8th in FIBA World Rankings for First Time
Reacting, Ugo Udezue said, “First of all, it’s rather unfortunate that an African country needs a visa to travel to another African country. Secondly, this is against the spirit of sportsmanship. These kids have sacrificed too much for a visa consular officer to deny them the opportunity to represent Nigeria globally.”
The refusal of visas to the boys’ team appears to be a deliberate attempt to hinder the Junior D’Tigers, especially since the South African Embassy in Lagos approved the girls’ visas, allowing them to arrive in Pretoria, ready for their opening match against Egypt on Tuesday.
After returning from Ivory Coast, where both teams emerged victorious in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers, the girls were camped in Lagos.
The NBBF submitted the names of both the boys and girls in a single letter to the embassy.
It has been reported that the NBBF has already lodged complaints with FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, efforts by South African officials in Pretoria have had little to no effect.
(Sahara Reporters)
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
