The Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) has officially announced its withdrawal from the forthcoming Catchball tournament scheduled to take place in South Africa, citing growing safety concerns following recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
The Federation described the decision as a difficult but necessary step aimed at protecting the lives and well-being of Nigerian athletes, officials, and supporters who were expected to participate in the international sporting event.
In an official statement released by the Federation, the NCF noted that the prevailing security atmosphere in parts of South Africa has created fears and uncertainty capable of jeopardizing the successful participation of Team Nigeria in the competition.
President of the Federation, Bola Babarinde, expressed sadness over the development, emphasizing that sports should remain a unifying force that promotes friendship, peace, and collaboration among African nations.
Babarinde, who previously lived and worked in South Africa for several years, stated that he was deeply disappointed by the resurgence of xenophobic attacks, especially considering the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
According to him, international sporting competitions are meant to strengthen bonds among nations and encourage cultural integration, not create fear and insecurity among participants.
He explained that the Federation carefully reviewed the situation before arriving at the decision to withdraw from the competition, stressing that no sporting event is worth risking the safety of athletes and officials.
The NCF also acknowledged the intervention efforts of South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in addressing the security situation. However, the Federation noted that the damage caused by the attacks and the tension generated by the incidents had already affected confidence among intending participants.
“The safety and protection of our players, officials, and delegates remain our highest priority. In view of the current circumstances, withdrawing from the competition became the most responsible decision,” the Federation stated.
The Federation further reiterated its commitment to the development and promotion of Catchball in Nigeria and internationally, assuring stakeholders that the withdrawal would not affect its ongoing plans to expand the sport through grassroots programmes, training initiatives, and future international engagements in safer environments.
The NCF also called on African leaders and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence across the continent, noting that xenophobia threatens the spirit of African brotherhood and regional cooperation.
While expressing regret over missing the tournament, the Federation maintained that safeguarding human lives and ensuring the mental and physical security of participants must always come first.
The statement was signed by Miss Naomi Nnaji, Personal Assistant to the President of the Nigeria Catchball Federation.
