South Africa has denied visas to Nigeria’s U18 basketball team, preventing their participation in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket tournament scheduled for Cape Town from December 14 to 22.
The South African Consulate in Abuja refused to issue visas to the male players. Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, confirmed the situation in a statement on Tuesday, expressing frustration over the lack of explanation and calling it a form of sabotage.
This decision threatens Nigeria’s involvement in the tournament, which starts today with a match against Egypt. The players, who had been training in Abuja after returning from Abidjan, are devastated as their opportunity to compete in the FIBA World Championship fades.
Udezue remarked, “It’s unfortunate that an African country requires a visa to travel to another African country. This move goes against the spirit of sportsmanship. These kids have sacrificed so much for a visa officer to deny them the chance to represent Nigeria on a global stage.”
In contrast, the South African Embassy in Lagos has approved visas for the girls’ team, who are currently in Pretoria for their match against Egypt.
Both teams had previously qualified for the tournament by winning the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Ivory Coast. The Nigerian Basketball Federation has lodged complaints with FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, but efforts to resolve the issue have so far been unsuccessful.
