Several Nigerians have taken to social media to express their outrage after the South African Consulate initially denied visas to the Nigerian U-18 boys’ basketball team for the AfroBasket Men’s U-18 competition in South Africa.
The team’s head of delegation, Ugo Udezue, confirmed that visas were eventually issued, and the Junior D’Tigers are now expected to arrive in Pretoria on Wednesday—one day later than originally planned.
On Monday, reports surfaced that the South African Consulate in Abuja had refused to grant visas to the team, causing them to miss their scheduled trip for the championship and jeopardizing their participation in the FIBA World Championship. The team was originally set to face Egypt on Tuesday.
Despite the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s intervention, which included reporting the matter to FIBA Africa, the South African hosts, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visas were initially denied. Meanwhile, the female team, who were camped in Lagos following their return from the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Ivory Coast, received their visas without issue.
The consulate’s actions sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their frustration.
Joseph Akpanessien commented on Facebook, “Given the history we share with South Africa, one would expect stronger ties. Sadly, who can now speak of a united Africa?”
Valodin Worldwide added, “It’s shameful for an African country to deny another African country visas. If it were Europe or America, they wouldn’t dare.”
Emeje Matthew wrote, “South Africa is afraid of the unknown. Nigeria will always surpass them in every area.”
Christian D’elysee suggested, “This is diplomatic rascality. It’s time we nationalize MTN Nigeria. We have several options to keep South Africa in check. We could pass a vote of no confidence in the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria.”
An aggrieved Yomi Ajanaku remarked, “This is unacceptable. If South Africa wants to build a better continent for future generations, they must treat other African countries with respect. Nigeria is too strong to be treated like this, and denying a national sports team entry is completely unacceptable and could lead to serious diplomatic tensions.”
