South Africa Denies Junior D’Tigers Visas Ahead Of Their Games

Players of the Nigeria’s U-18 basketball team, junior D’Tigers have been denied visa to the FIBA U18 Afrobasket.

They were denied by the South African Consulate at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

This decision has jeopardised Nigeria’s team, to the tournament. Which is to start on Tuesday, September 3,(today). Nigeria is to face Egypt in Pretoria later in the day.

The players, who trained and camped in Abuja on return from Abidjan. Are in total shock, tears, and pain as they watch their dreams of being at the FIBA World Championship fade.

This is on account of the South Africans denying them entry.

The Vice Chairman of the Youth Development Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Ugo Udezue.

Who is already in Pretoria with the first team, was shocked when he was called about the development. He sees the development as a total sabotage.

He said, “First of all, it’s rather unfortunate that an African country needs a visa to travel to another African country.”

“Secondly, this is against the spirit of sportsmanship. These kids have sacrificed too much for a visa consular officer to deny them the opportunity to represent Nigeria globally.”

The act of refusing the team visas, looks like a deliberate attempt to stop the Junior D’Tigers. Because the South African Embassy in Lagos cleared the girls to travel. And they are already in Pretoria and set for their opening match against Egypt on Tuesday.

The girls were camped in Lagos on their return from Ivory Coast. This was after both teams finished as the winners of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers.

The NBBF submitted the both team names on a single letter to the embassy.

Also, the NBBF has complained to the FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The calls made by the South Africans from Pretoria, has however, made little or no impact on the issue.