A major controversy has erupted at the Paris Olympics as the Nigerian women’s basketball team was unexpectedly denied boarding the delegation’s boat for the opening ceremony.
A source familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the team was turned away by a Nigerian official who claimed the boat was overcrowded.
The incident occurred as the team arrived at the designated boarding area, only to be met with refusal.
Subsequently, the players and coaches were forced to return to the athletes’ village, while the rest of the Nigerian delegation shared a boat with Niger and Norway.
The Nigerian Olympic committee has yet to publicly address the situation, despite multiple attempts to reach them for comment.
The basketball team had followed all necessary protocols, including a lengthy bus journey from Lille, where the preliminary rounds are being held, to Paris. The bus caravan, which included several other teams, was escorted by police.
It remains unclear if the team will be able to rejoin the bus convoy after the ceremony to return to Lille, or if they will be forced to stay overnight in Paris.
Nigeria, a three-time Olympian, is set to begin its campaign against Australia on Monday. The team holds a significant place in African basketball history, having secured the continent’s only Olympic victory in the 2004 Athens Games.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the organization and treatment of the Nigerian team at the Olympics.
