The South African Consulate in Abuja has denied visas to the Nigerian U-18 boys’ basketball team, preventing them from participating in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament scheduled to take place in Cape Town from December 14 to 22.
The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) confirmed the visa denial, expressing disappointment over the unexpected decision. Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the NBBF’s Youth Development Committee, criticized the move as an act of sabotage, emphasizing the unfairness of denying young athletes the chance to represent Nigeria on an international stage.
“It’s unfortunate that an African country requires a visa to travel to another African country,” Udezue remarked. “This action goes against the spirit of sportsmanship. These kids have sacrificed so much, only to be denied this opportunity by a visa consular officer.”
The situation has raised concerns about possible deliberate obstruction, particularly as the Nigerian U-18 girls’ team was granted visas and is already in Pretoria, set for their opening match against Egypt. The NBBF has called for a resolution to the matter, urging for the boys’ team to be allowed to compete.
