Senegal’s preparations for the upcoming AfroBasket tournament have taken an unexpected turn, after visa denials derailed plans for a high-performance training camp in the United States.
The team, historically one of Africa’s most dominant forces in women’s basketball, was set to travel to the U.S. for a 10-day camp beginning June 22. However, the visas of five players and seven officials were reportedly denied, prompting the cancellation of the trip.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed the decision via Facebook, stating the team would instead train in Dakar “in a sovereign and conducive setting.” His directive follows growing frustration over the unexplained visa rejections, despite Senegal not being listed among countries facing enhanced U.S. travel restrictions.
“Informed of the refusal of issuing visas to several members of the Senegal women’s national basketball team, I have instructed the Ministry of Sports to simply cancel the 10-day preparatory training initially planned in the United States of America,” Sonko said.
The denials cast a shadow over what was intended to be a vital phase of preparation for the reigning African silver medallists. Senegal have reached the final in four of the last five AfroBasket tournaments, winning once and cementing their legacy with 11 total titles.
Led by American coach Otis Hughley Jr., who guided Nigeria’s women to multiple AfroBasket triumphs and previously coached Alabama A&M’s men’s team, the squad had high hopes of reclaiming continental dominance. The AfroBasket winner will qualify for the FIBA World Cup in Germany next year.
