Denial of entry visa to Nigeria’s junior footballers by Spanish authorities sparks controversy
The U-15 team that had to represent Nigeria at the UEFA U16 tournament in Spain are reported to have been denied entry visa’s to the country.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said “the team would not be traveling to take part in the tournament” which begins on Friday.
“It affected both players and officials of the under-15 football team” the NFF said. It did not say why the visas were denied.
The Spanish authorities have refuted the claims, indicating that they are “incorrect”.
The Spanish embassy in Nigeria also said the applicants withdrew their applications at the consulate on Monday, April 8.
The youth development football tournament first took place in 2012, and is organised by UEFA with the objective to expose elite junior players to international football.
