FINALLY: Junior D’Tigers arrive in South Africa for 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket
Nigeria’s U18 Boys Basketball team, the Junior D’Tigers, have finally landed in Pretoria, South Africa, mere hours before their opening group game at the 2024 FIBA U18 Afrobasket.
The team, who had faced significant challenges in securing their visas, touched down just five hours before their scheduled tip-off against Egypt at 6 p.m.
The Junior D’Tigers’ participation in the tournament was thrown into doubt when the South African Consulate in Abuja initially denied visas to the entire team, causing a delay in their travel plans. This last-minute hurdle left fans and officials anxious about whether the team would be able to make it in time for the prestigious tournament. However, after urgent appeals and diplomatic interventions, the team was eventually granted visas, allowing them to board a late flight to South Africa.
Speaking about the situation, Ugo Udueze, the head of the Nigerian delegation, expressed relief that the team was able to make it to Pretoria despite the challenges. “We were in a very tight spot, but the boys are ready to give their best on the court. It’s been a whirlwind journey, but we are here now, and our focus is on representing Nigeria with pride,” Udueze said.
The Nigerian U18 boys’ basketball team will face Egypt in their first game, a matchup that will test the young players’ resilience given the travel ordeal they’ve endured. The team’s preparation has been far from ideal, with the delayed arrival affecting their pre-game routines and possibly their performance on the court.
Despite the challenges, the Junior D’Tigers are determined to make a strong start in the competition, knowing that a win against Egypt would set the tone for the rest of their campaign. The team’s late arrival has also added a layer of anticipation and drama to their opening match, as fans eagerly await to see how the players will handle the pressure.
