The Nigerian national under-18 basketball team has been denied visas by South Africa, which would keep them from competing in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket competition, which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from December 14 to 22. The male players’ visas were turned down by the South African Consulate in Abuja. In a statement on Tuesday, Ugo Udezue, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, verified the development. Udezue, who was displeased with the lack of justification, called the action a kind of sabotage.
The players are disappointed that their chances of competing in the FIBA World Championship are fading.
They had been training in Abuja since returning from Abidjan.
“First off, it’s pretty unfortunate that an African country needs a visa in order to travel to another African country,”Udezue stated.
Furthermore, it goes against the principles of good sportsmanship. These young people have given up far too much for a consular officer to deny them the chance to represent Nigeria internationally.
References and Citation
punchng.com – South Africa denies Nigeria’s U18 basketball team visa for 2024 FIBA
thisdaylive.com – S’African Embassy Denies Junior D’Tigers Visas to FIBA U18 Tourney
saharareporters.com – South Africa Denies Nigeria’s Basketball Team Visa To Participate In 2024 FIBA U18 Tournament
pulsesport.ng – FIBA U18 Afrobasket: South Africa denies Nigeria visa