Nigeria has withdrawn from a forthcoming international catchball tournament in South Africa, citing rising xenophobic violence and growing concerns over the safety of its athletes and officials.
The decision, announced by the Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF), was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by its Media Coordinator, Naomi Nnaji.
NCF President, Bola Babarinde, said the move was taken in the best interest of players, officials and the entire Nigerian contingent expected to participate in the competition.
He noted that recent waves of violence and intimidation targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa had heightened fears over the security of participants.
“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 described the development as disheartening, particularly against the backdrop of his long-standing ties with South Africa, where he had spent years contributing to sports development and community relations.
He added that the spate of attacks undermines the values of unity, sportsmanship and African brotherhood that international sporting engagements are meant to promote.
While acknowledging efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the crisis, he maintained that the current environment does not guarantee adequate protection for Nigerian participants.
The withdrawal comes amid escalating tensions in South Africa, where xenophobic attacks have intensified in recent weeks.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg recently confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to the unrest. Authorities said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after a beating involving personnel of the South African National Defence Force, while Andrew’s body was later found at a Pretoria mortuary after his arrest by metro police.
Concerns have also deepened following reports of activities by the group Operation Dudula, accused of targeting foreign nationals, as well as incidents of violence affecting migrants, including traders and schoolchildren.
Despite condemnation by security agencies, including the South African Police Service, the attacks have persisted, fuelling fears that the crisis is entering a more dangerous phase.
The NCF said it remains committed to the development of catchball locally and internationally, expressing hope that conditions would improve to allow safe participation in future competitions.
