In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian U-18 men’s basketball team, Junior D’Tigers, has secured visas to participate in the ongoing FIBA U-18 Afrobasket in Pretoria, South Africa.
This comes after a tense 24-hour period when their visas were initially denied, casting doubt on their participation in the prestigious tournament. The Junior D’Tigers would look to shake off the jetlag as they’re set to play their opening game on Wednesday by 7 pm against defending champions Egypt
The team’s hopes of competing were dashed just hours before their scheduled departure, leaving players and fans alike devastated. However, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) swiftly mobilized efforts to address the visa issue, working tirelessly with South African authorities to secure the necessary permits.
The news of the visa approval was met with immense relief and jubilation within the Nigerian basketball community. The team, led by experienced coach Fubara Oyenabo, is now ready to showcase their skills on the international stage and represent their country with pride.
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As the Junior D’Tigers prepare to face their opponents in Group B, which includes defending champions Egypt, Angola, and Uganda, their sights are set on not only advancing to the knockout stages but also securing one of the two African spots in the 2025 FIBA U-19 World Cup in Switzerland.
Nigeria, a seven-time champion of the FIBA U-18 Afrobasket, has not won the tournament since 2006. Their fans will be eagerly watching as they strive to reclaim their dominance in African youth basketball and cement their legacy as a powerhouse in the sport.
