The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially withdrawn its participation from a catchball tournament scheduled to take place in South Africa, citing safety concerns linked to reported xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
Officials said the decision was taken in the interest of protecting Nigerian athletes and officials, following emerging reports and viral content alleging assaults on foreign nationals in parts of the host country.
The withdrawal reflects growing concern over the security environment ahead of the sporting event, with authorities stressing that the wellbeing of citizens remains a top priority in all international engagements.
Sports administrators noted that while international tournaments are meant to promote unity and cooperation, participation must be backed by assurances of safety and respect for human rights.
The development has also sparked wider discussions on the impact of recurring xenophobic tensions on African sporting relations, with calls for stronger diplomatic engagement and preventive measures to protect visiting athletes and delegations.
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