The South African Consulate in Abuja has denied visas to Nigeria’s Under-18 boys’ basketball team, jeopardizing their participation in the 2024 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket competition. The team was set to face Egypt in Pretoria today.
Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), expressed disappointment over the visa denial. He stated, “It’s unfortunate that an African country needs a visa to travel to another African country, and this goes against the spirit of sportsmanship.” Udezue added that the refusal appeared to be a deliberate attempt to prevent the Junior D’Tigers from competing, especially as the girls’ team was cleared to travel by the South African Embassy in Lagos and is already in Pretoria.
The NBBF is still seeking an explanation for the visa denial and considering further actions.
