https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240409/spain-denies-visa-to-nigeria-youth-football-team-stopping-it-from-participating-in-uefa-u16-cup-1065988323.html
Spain Denies Visa to Nigeria Youth Football Team, Stopping It From Participating in UEFA U16 Cup
Spain Denies Visa to Nigeria Youth Football Team, Stopping It From Participating in UEFA U16 Cup
Sputnik Africa
Founded in 2012, UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament is the association football tournament organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)... 09.04.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-04-09T11:49+0200
2024-04-09T11:49+0200
2024-04-09T11:49+0200
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Nigeria will not take part in the UEFA U16 Tournament, which starts on Friday, after the Spanish Embassy refused to grant official visas to players of the Nigerian U15 national team, the Nigeria Football Federation said in a statement.According to the federation, the special invitation to the tournament was a result of Nigeria's vast experience in youth football, having won five U-17 World Cup titles and reached the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on two occasions.The Nigerian team was scheduled to travel to Spain on Tuesday, where the Future Eagles would face Belgium on April 12, Italy on April 14 and England on April 17.The Future Eagles’ delegation to Spain included 20 players.Some social media users expressed their dissatisfaction with the Spanish embassy and asked it to explain the decision."This is beyond embarrassing. What is their reason for denying our people visa," another netizen said.The Nigerian U15 national team, under the guidance of coach Patrick Bassey, underwent a week-long training regimen at the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in Ikenne, southwestern Nigeria.In the preceding month, the Nigerian U15 national team embarked on a two-match tour of Morocco, facing their counterparts from the North African country. Despite starting with a 2-3 loss in the first game, they rallied to claim a 5-3 victory in the second encounter.
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Spain Denies Visa to Nigeria Youth Football Team, Stopping It From Participating in UEFA U16 Cup
Founded in 2012, UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament is the association football tournament organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and includes only four teams.
Nigeria will not take part in the UEFA U16 Tournament, which starts on Friday, after the Spanish Embassy refused to grant official visas to players of the Nigerian U15 national team, the Nigeria Football Federation said in a statement.
"Players and officials of the Nigeria U15 team, Future Eagles, have been denied visas by the Spanish Embassy and will therefore not be travelling to take part in the UEFA U16 Development Tournament starting on Friday," the statement said.
According to the federation, the special invitation to
the tournament was a result of Nigeria's vast experience in youth football, having won five U-17 World Cup titles and reached the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on two occasions.
The Nigerian team was scheduled to travel to Spain on Tuesday, where the Future Eagles would face Belgium on April 12, Italy on April 14 and England on April 17.
The Future Eagles’ delegation to Spain included 20 players.
Some social media users expressed their dissatisfaction with the Spanish embassy and asked it to explain the decision.
"This is unacceptable!" one user wrote.
"This is beyond embarrassing. What is their reason for denying our people visa," another netizen said.
The Nigerian U15 national team,
under the guidance of coach Patrick Bassey, underwent a week-long training regimen at the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in Ikenne, southwestern Nigeria.
In the preceding month, the Nigerian U15 national team embarked on a two-match tour of Morocco, facing their counterparts from the North African country. Despite starting with a 2-3 loss in the first game, they rallied to claim a 5-3 victory in the second encounter.
