Nigeria withdraws from South Africa catchball tournament over xenophobic attacks
The Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) has announced its withdrawal from a forthcoming international competition in South Africa, citing escalating xenophobic attacks and growing concerns over the safety of Nigerian athletes and officials.
Pretoria CBD rocked by anti-immigrant protests
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by the federation’s Media Coordinator, Naomi Nnaji.
According to the statement, the withdrawal followed recent waves of violence and intimidation targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, raising serious concerns about the security of participants.
NCF President, Bola Babarinde, said the decision was taken in the best interest of players, officials, and the entire Nigerian contingent expected to participate in the tournament.
He stressed that the safety and well-being of members of the federation remain paramount.
“The prevailing tension and uncertainty have inevitably impacted the integrity and feasibility of the competition,” Babarinde said.
In light of these circumstances, the NCF has resolved to withdraw its participation, prioritising the safety and security of its athletes and officials above all else.”
Babarinde expressed deep disappointment over the development, noting that the situation was both “disheartening and unexpected,” especially given his long-standing ties to South Africa.
He revealed that he had spent several years in the country contributing to the growth of sports and fostering community relations.
According to him, the recent attacks undermine the core values of unity, sportsmanship, and African brotherhood that international sporting engagements are meant to promote.
While acknowledging efforts by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to address the crisis, Babarinde maintained that the current environment does not guarantee the safety of Nigerian participants.
“The federation remains committed to the development of catchball both locally and internationally and hopes for a future where such decisions will not be necessary,” he added.
The withdrawal comes amid growing tension in South Africa, where xenophobic attacks have intensified in recent weeks.
On Monday, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, amid escalating xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey‑Uche said Emmanuel succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) after a beating on April 20.
She added that Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in Pretoria’s Booysens area following an alleged clash with Tshwane Metro Police officers. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, deepening concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported how members of the controversial group, Operation Dudula, allegedly stormed schools to remove children of foreign nationals, sparking panic and chaos.
Videos circulating online showed terrified pupils fleeing classrooms as tensions escalated, with some scenes capturing the sound of gunshots, further heightening fears over public safety.
In another incident, an Ethiopian national was reportedly shot dead in Johannesburg in what authorities suspect to be a targeted killing, while a Nigerian trader was publicly threatened and ordered to leave by anti-immigrant protesters.
Despite condemnation from the South African Police Service, which described such acts as unlawful and contrary to democratic values, the attacks have persisted, raising concerns that the crisis is spiralling into a more dangerous phase.
With violence now extending beyond marketplaces and residential areas into schools, stakeholders warn that the safety of foreign nationals, including athletes, can no longer be guaranteed.
