The South African authorities has denied visas to Nigeria’s nationwide under-18 basketball groups, stopping them from taking part within the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket competitors scheduled to happen in Cape City from December 14 to 22. This growth has prompted important disappointment and frustration among the many Nigerian gamers and officers.
The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) expressed shock and dismay over the visa refusal, which they declare was carried out with none justification. Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the NBBF’s Youth Improvement Committee, described South Africa’s actions as “complete sabotage,” in line with a report by Sahara Experiences.
Regardless of the women’ group receiving visas from the South African Embassy in Lagos and already being in Pretoria for his or her opening sport in opposition to Egypt, the boys’ group was denied entry.
Each groups had been working towards and tenting in Abuja after getting back from Abidjan, the place they received the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers. The choice has jeopardized Nigeria’s participation within the event.
The NBBF has lodged a grievance with Nigeria’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs, the South African hosts, and FIBA Africa, however their efforts have up to now been ineffective. The scenario has left the Nigerian gamers devastated as their hopes of competing within the FIBA U18 Afrobasket event at the moment are unsure.