South Africa Denies Nigerian U-18 Basketball Team Visas for FIBA Afrobasket

The South African Consulate in Abuja has refused to issue visas to the Nigerian U-18 boys’ basketball team, preventing them from participating in the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket. The decision puts the team’s participation in jeopardy, as they were set to face Egypt in their opening match on Tuesday.

Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, expressed his disappointment from Pretoria, where he is currently stationed. “It’s disheartening that an African country requires a visa to travel to another African country. This decision contradicts the principles of sportsmanship. These young athletes have dedicated so much, only to be denied the chance to represent Nigeria on a global stage.”

Udezue also highlighted what he perceives as a disparity in treatment: “The South African Embassy in Lagos approved travel for the Nigerian U-18 girls’ team, who are now in Pretoria and prepared for their match against Egypt. This inconsistency raises concerns about the motives behind the boys’ visa denial.”