South Africa has denied visas to Nigeria's U18 basketball team for the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament, sparking frustration from the Nigerian Basketball Federation. The decision threatens Nigeria's participation and has led to criticism of South Africa’s actions as a breach of sportsmanship.
South Africa has denied visa applications for Nigeria’s under-18 basketball team, preventing them from participating in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament in Cape Town. The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) expressed significant frustration, calling the move a “sabotage” without prior explanation. Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the NBBF’s Youth Development Committee, criticized the action as contrary to sportsmanship and a setback for the players, who had been eagerly preparing for the tournament.
The visa denial affects Nigeria’s participation in the tournament starting December 14, with the team scheduled to face Egypt in their opening match. The players, who had been in intensive training in Abuja after returning from Abidjan, are now devastated as their dreams of competing are dashed. The South African Consulate in Abuja issued the denial, while the South African Embassy in Lagos approved visas for the Nigerian female team, who are already in Pretoria for their match against Egypt.
The NBBF has reached out to FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to address the issue. Despite efforts, there has been little resolution, and the situation remains tense. The broader implications of this decision on the relationship between the two countries and the future of Nigerian basketball at international events are yet to be seen.
