Joe
Respite finally came for the way of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) as the South Africa Embassy in Abuja issued the Nigeria U18 team entry visas.
However, the NBBF is now racing against time to ensure the Junior D’Tigers arrive in Pretoria for their opening match against Egypt on Wednesday.
Head of Delegation, Ugo Udezue, confirmed the ongoing efforts in a statement from Pretoria, where he is already on ground with the women’s team.
The Nigerian Under-18 men’s basketball team, originally scheduled to depart Abuja last Friday, was left stranded after the South African Consulate in the Federal Capital Territory denied their visa applications.
The unexpected decision has left the young players disheartened, raising concerns over their participation in the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, which commenced on Monday.
Despite the setback, the Nigerian squad is now slated to face Egypt in the last game of Wednesday in Pretoria for the Final Round, a crucial matchup that could secure their place in the FIBA U19 World Cup next year.
Group B, labeled the “group of death,” features Uganda, Egypt, Nigeria, and Angola—the last three nations with a strong history in the championship. The highly anticipated clash between defending champions Egypt and Nigeria, both with six titles each, is expected to be the highlight of the tournament.
