The Nigeria Under-18 boys’ basketball team has faced a major setback as the South African Consulate in Abuja has refused to issue visas for their participation in the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Afrobasket. This decision jeopardizes Nigeria’s involvement in the biennial tournament, scheduled to begin in South Africa.

The players, who had been training rigorously in Abuja after their return from Abidjan, were dismayed by the unexpected visa denial. They were set to compete against Egypt in Pretoria this week.

Ugo Udezue, Vice Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), expressed his frustration and disappointment over the situation. He criticized the need for visas between African countries, viewing it as contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship.

“It is unfortunate that an African country requires a visa to travel to another African country. This situation undermines the spirit of sportsmanship. These young athletes have made significant sacrifices, and it is disheartening that a visa consular officer would deny them the chance to represent Nigeria on a global stage,” Udezue said.

The visa denial contrasts sharply with the situation for the Nigerian girls’ basketball team, which has been granted clearance and is already in Pretoria for their match against Egypt. Both teams had won the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers, and the NBBF had submitted the names of both teams in a single request to the embassy.

In response to the visa issue, the NBBF has filed complaints with FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Despite these efforts, the South African officials in Pretoria have yet to resolve the matter, leaving the future of the Under-18 boys’ basketball team uncertain.