- The Nigerian contingent set to represent the country at the 2020 All Africa Men’s and Women’s Team Badminton Championships in Egypt have finally been given visas by the Egyptian Embassy after an initial delay.
The Nigerian contingent set to represent the country at the 2020 All Africa Men’s and Women’s Team Badminton Championships in Egypt have finally been given visas by the Egyptian Embassy after an initial delay.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, said the players and officials got their visas Tuesday evening.
He however said the embassy denied some officials of the team visas.
“Some people who were part of the contingent had withdrawn and dropped out because of all the stress, but three people who were meant to still go, they refused to give them – the vice president and two umpires who were officially invited by the African body for officiating and certification.
“We made a case, we went back, talked to them but up till now, they are still adamant. But at least, those who were given would leave tomorrow (today) afternoon.”
The Nigerian team, who are the No.1 team in Africa, have already missed out of the team event, which started on Monday because of the visa issues.
They will however be able to feature in the singles event, which starts on Friday.
The team event serves as the qualifiers for the men and women’s team event of the Thomas and Uber Cup billed to hold in Denmark between May 16 and 24, while the singles event serves as qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
